Charles Robert Heard

Charles Robert Heard, 82, of Abilene, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 12, 2025. A funeral service will be held on Friday, July 18, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Minter Lane Church of Christ, with burial to follow at Bear Springs Cemetery. Visitation will take place Thursday, July 17, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at North's Funeral Home.
Born on January 20, 1943, in Collinsville, Texas, Robert was the son of Hubbard Frances and Lena Ellen Heard. From a young age, Robert's life was marked by dedication, strength, and a deep love for family and faith.
He met the love of his life, Linda Kay Hearn, when they were just children at 4th and Benton Church of Christ in Big Spring, Texas. Their bond grew over the years, and Robert sealed their lifelong love by inviting Kay to one of his choir performances while she was away at college. The two married on January 22, 1964, and shared 60 wonderful years of marriage until Kay's passing in November of 2024.
In November of 1966, Robert proudly joined the United States Army, serving as a Combat Engineer Unit Commander. He is proud of his engineering skills, having designed and built the 240 foot Bailey Bridge over the Dak Poko River in Vietnam. He was the recipient of several military honors, including the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the Vietnam Service Medal.
Robert had a natural talent for woodworking, a craft he pursued with both skill and passion. Robert found satisfaction in working with his hands and creating things that would last. His workshop was a place of quiet focus and creativity. His projects were never rushed - each piece was made with care, precision, and love. Gardening was another of Robert's great joys. He took pride in tending to his garden year after year, nurturing vegetables and flowers in a riot of colors from season to season.
In his younger years, he loved roller skating and playing roller hockey, and he was also an avid guitar player. He often sang his children to sleep as he played lullabies and Kingston Trio songs.
He was a man of strong passions and gentle strength, and he loved fiercely - especially when it came to his children and grandchildren, who brought him tremendous joy and purpose.
Robert's presence, laughter, and love will be dearly missed by all who knew him.
Robert was preceded in death by his parents, Hubbard and Lena Heard, his sister, Mildred Wooten, his brother Jimmy Heard, his wife, Linda Kay Heard, and his grandson, Regan Hearn.
Left to cherish his memories are his brother, Joe Heard, his children, their spouses and his grandchildren, Chris and Rene Heard with Nathan and Sarah (Anderson) Heard and Nicholas Heard, Phil Hearn with Zachary Hearn and Robin Brooks Hearn, Amelia and Jeff Emery with Mary Hannah Emery, Bea Emery, and Eleanor Emery, and Sandra Thornhill.
Instead of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made to Slavic World for Christ, P.O. Box 2872, Abilene, TX 79604.
Online Condolences may be made at www.northsfuneralhome.com