MSG (Retired) Richard Howard Heidle, of Crocker, was born on May 22, 1928, in Centralia, Illinois, a son of George and Anna Alice (Perry) Heidle. He departed this life at 9:10 a.m., Tuesday morning, May 31, 2016, in the General Leonard Wood Army Community Hospital, Fort Leonard Wood. Mr. Heidle had attained the age of 88 years and 9 days.

Mr. Heidle was united in marriage on January 27, 1951, at Centralia, Illinois, to Miss Mildred Monell Koch. To this union, five children were born. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Mildred "Midge" Heidle on June 13, 2005. Mr. Heidle was then united in marriage on July 16, 2006, at Crocker to Faith Harlow. In Addition to his first wife, Mr. Heidle was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, infant Rachael Heidle and Mildred McClellan and one great-grandson, Oceanus Curtis.

Mr. Heidle was a member of the Crocker Assembly of God Church and had served as Deacon of the church for several years. He was a United States Army veteran having served his country from March 12, 1946 until March 31, 1975, retiring after 23 and a half years of service and attaining the rank of Master Sergeant. Following his military career, Mr. Heidle worked as a welder for Goodrich Gas Company, Crocker and then as a guard for the Missouri State Penitentiary in Jefferson City. Mr. Heidle was a Charter member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 4956, Crocker.

Those left to mourn the passing of Mr. Heidle include his wife, Faith Heidle, of the home; two sons and daughters-in-law, SSG (Ret.) Richard A. and Vickie Heidle, Dixon and Charles G. and Glenna Heidle, Springfield; three daughters and sons-in-law, Sherry and Steve Strutton, Crocker; Trina and Michael Schoemann, Aurora; and Marcia and Calvin Gladden, Waynesville; Faith's children; one brother, George Heidle, Centralia, Illinois; 15 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren with one expected in July; and many other relatives and friends.