Anthony Otto Heiss

Honoring The Journey of Tony Heiss

Anthony O. "Tony" Heiss, 71, of Fort Smith quietly passed away at The Blossoms of Fort

Smith Rehab and Nursing Center on 9 March 2026 , after battling cancer. His passing

was witnessed live and in real time by his siblings living around the country via instant

messaging. Very 21 st century; Tony would be proud.

Born on 16 June 16 1954 in Fort Smith, Arkansas, Tony was the fourteenth and final

child of Fr ed W. & Kathryn Heiss. He grew up in south Fort Smith, attended Christ the

King Catholic School, lived briefly in Oklahoma City, and graduated from Van Buren

High School in 1972. Tony was a veteran of the Vietnam war, having served six years in

the U.S. Navy as an electrician aboard the USS Southerland (DD - 743) and the USS

Midway (CV - 41). Most of his working career was spent managing U - Store - It storage

businesses in Fort Smith.

His interests were wide and varied, although he had a particular fascination with

astronomy and stargazing. Tony is perhaps best known among his friends and family for

his steadfast loyalty and for always being quick with a smile.

Tony was predeceased by his parents Fred W. & Kathryn Heiss, sister Mary Ann Heiss,

and brothers Bill Heiss, Herb Heiss, Joe Heiss, Chuck Heiss, Jim "Bubby" Heiss, and

Dave Heiss. He is survived by his sisters Kay Adams of Fayetteville, AR; Margie Fletcher

of Plano, TX; and Patti Smith of Greenwood, AR; by his brothers Fred E. Heiss of

Hollister, MO; Tom Heiss of Brunswick, ME; and Harry Heiss of Natchez, MS; and by as

many cousins, nieces and nephews (+ x 2 + x 3) as there are stars in the galaxy.

Following Tony's wishes, the family has chosen cremation. A simple graveside interment

service with Military Honors, officiated by his nephew Rev. Harold Wayne Smith III,

will be held at the Fort Smith National Cemetery on Friday, March 20, at 11:00 AM. In

lieu of flowers, find a telescope, gaze upwards, and think of Tony. Cremation is under

the thoughtful care of River Glenn Cremation and Funeral Services.