Jarrell Francis Heard

Mr. Jarrell Francis Heard

MINDEN, LA - Mr. Jarrell Francis Heard, known to most as simply "Jerry" a resident of Ponchatoula, La, formerly a resident of Minden for 49 years went to be with his Lord on May 4, 2010 after a courageous battle with esophageal cancer. He was born Oct. 15, 1923 in Alexandria, La. He was 86 years old. He is survived by his wife of ten years, Shirley Hafer Heard, his four children Carol Daye Heard of Minden, La, Alice Jean Forrest and husband Ed of Hammond, La, Jarrell Sanders Heard and wife Susan of Gainesville, Ga., and Nolen Ragan Heard and wife Fay of Hammond, La. He has seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren and beloved by many nieces and nephews who fondly remember many fishing expeditions with their Uncle Jerry. Extended family are Kenneth Wayne Hafer and wife Theresa of Metairie, La., Patricia Plunkett and husband Lamar of Groveland, Fla. and Vickie Cimo and husband Brett of Houston, Tex.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 52 years, Lora Dell "Daye" Heard, parents Mr. and Mrs. F.H. Heard of Ruston, La, his brother and sister-in-law Hewell and Helen Heard of Hodge, La., his younger brother, Ragan Errol Heard, his infant son, David Patrick Heard and grand-daughter, Megan Daye Heard.

Mr. Heard served his country three and half years in the Pacific Theater during WWII, commandeering a Higgins landing craft. He was the recipient of a Purple Heart and many battle ribbons.

Upon returning from the Pacific Conflict, he embarked upon his career as an educator earning degrees from both Louisiana Tech and LSU. He served in Webster Parish as a revered fifth grade teacher at E.S. Richardson Elementary and a beloved principal of the Marlon Pope Special Learning Center in Cotton Valley, Louisiana. He served as principal of one of two pilot schools in the state of Louisiana for the multi-handicapped. His love for these special children sprang from his commitment to his Lord and Savior. His school stationary bore the following engraved scripture: "When you have done it to the least of these, you have done it unto me." Matthew 25:45. His early years of teaching was spent in the East Baton Rouge Parish School system as a junior high history teacher and elementary teacher. Mr. Heard was a lifelong member of the United Methodist Church, the Masonic Lodge and the American Legion. Special thanks are extended to the health care professionals that gave comfort and care to Mr. Heard during his lengthy illness.

Services will be held at the Lakeview UMC on Saturday, May 8th, 2010 at 2 PM with the Rev. Mark Kennedy officiating, Tributes in honor of Mr. Heard may be sent to the Lakeview UMC of Minden or the Heflin UMC of Heflin, La.