Mearle Garman Heitzman

Mearle Garman Heitzman was born June 2, 1922 in Denver, Colorado, the son of Eleanor Frazer Heitzman and Mearle G. Heitzman. He grew up in Park City, Utah, where he attended elementary school. His family moved to Salt Lake City, Utah, where Mearle entered Bryant Junior High School. He finished high school at East High. He had completed two years of engineering school at the University of Utah when he enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Force. He served four years during World War II. When he returned home, he graduated from the University of Utah. Mearle was a lifelong member of Sigma Chi fraternity.

Mearle met Marilyn Lenore Stayner at the University of Utah. They were married in 1949 and moved to Tulare, California, where Mearle worked for Nielsen’s Creamery. They lived in Tulare for twelve years and during that time, Mearle managed five drive-in restaurants simultaneously. The drive-ins were located in Tulare, Corcoran, Bakersfield and two drive-ins in Visalia. After managing five drive-ins, Mearle knew he would like one of his own, but only one. In 1960, Mearle purchased the restaurant at 604 South Mooney Boulevard and renamed it Mearle’s College Drive-In. He wondered if he could make a living, but with the help of the exceptional and loyal people who worked at Mearle’s College Drive-in, the wonderful customers who came through the door, the Visalia Police Department, the Sheriff’s Department, the Highway Patrol, the Visalia Fire Department and the Visalia City Council, Mearle’s College Drive-In stayed in business. Mearle operated the drive-in for 47 years.

Mearle’s family also did their best to help Mearle’s Drive-in. Marilyn did the accounting and raised their three daughters at home. When their daughters, Rosalie, Shelley and Amy were old enough, they worked summer vacations at the Drive-In.

In 1998, Mearle was given the honor by the Central Valley Chapter of the California Restaurant Association of being their first inductee into their “Hall of Fame”. The award was given at their Diamond Cuisine Awards Dinner. He was also honored by: Visalia Mayor , Wally Gregory; Lieutenant Governor elect of California, Cruz Bustamante; State Senator elect, Charles Poochigian; State Senator, Jim Costa and U.S. Congressman, Calvin Dooley. Mearle was a 50 year Mason, a member of Progress Lodge number 22 F.A.M. of Utah.

Any free time Mearle had, he spent with his family and working in the yard he designed. His tractor (now 50 years old) helped him with his endeavors, working in cement and wrought iron, making pillars, benches, lamps, trellises and a flower cart.

Fate brought Mearle and Marilyn to Visalia and what a blessing that was. It has been the perfect place to live and raise their three wonderful daughters. Visalia has given Mearle and Marilyn 56 happy years and the place where Mearle’s College Drive-In survived for 47 years.

Mearle is survived by his wife, Marilyn, of 67 years and three daughters, Rosalie H. Holland and husband, Richard W. Holland (Sacramento, California); Shelley S. Heitzman (Sacramento, California); Amy H. West and husband, David A. West (Parker, Colorado); two grandsons Richard W. Holland II and wife, Carol; Rhett H. Holland and wife, Kara; one great grandson Conrad Stone Holland.

Mearle is also survived by one sister, Eleanor Jane Carlston and a brother Theodore Frazer Heitzman. He has several nieces and nephews.

There will be a private family graveside service.

In lieu of flowers, condolences may be sent, in memory of Mearle G. Heitzman, to Kaweah Delta Hospital Foundation. www.donate.kaweahdelta.org.

Tributes and condolences may be made at www.millerchapel.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Miller Memorial Chapel, 1120 W. Goshen Ave., Visalia, CA 93291 (559) 732-8371.