Richard Dale Heble

Richard Dale Heble, 94, of Denver Colorado passed away on March 8th, 2024, at his residence at Brookdale Senior Living Center, University Park, Denver.   Richard was born, September, 1st 1929 in Stratton, NE.  He was the oldest of 4 children born to Henry and Francis (Micek) Heble.  Dick grew up on the family farm near Atwood, KS and attended a country school until high school when he attended and graduated from Regis Jesuit High School in Denver.

In 1951, he was drafted into the Marine Corps and proudly served until 1953.  He quickly rose in the ranks to Sargent and worked as an Intelligence Specialist.  Upon returning from the military, he attended Kansas Wesleyan University in Salina, KS and graduated in 1957.  During his time at KS Wesleyan, he had also entered and won a national essay award on “God and Country”, with his college degree and cash prize, he bought a car and moved to Denver, where he lived for the remainder of his life.

He worked in residential real estate for many years before joining Sunward Steel Buildings where he worked into his 80’s, before finally retiring.  He also spent part of his working career teaching and tutoring.   

He was a long time and devoted member of Most Precious Blood, Catholic Church where he was involved with numerous ministries throughout the years.   He will be most remembered though as an usher at the 4:30 Mass on Saturday, where he served until, he was 90+ years old.   His life was enhanced and blessed with the people and relationships he made and held over the years from Most Precious Blood parish.  

Richard enjoyed everything from classical music to sports.  He was an accomplished ball room dancer and won several dance competitions over the years.  He was an avid reader and was always up for a discussion over the latest book he was reading.   He had an amazing memory, that was with him until his final weeks.  In a recent visit for his 94th birthday he was sharing the address of the street he lived on in college and the address of his college pen pal, which to his delight we were able to pull up on Google and show him where he had been sending all those letters all those years ago!    He enjoyed sending and receiving letters and cards and took great pride in his penmanship and keeping in touch with friends and family throughout the country.  

During his time at Brookdale, he thrived with all the activities and interactions with the residents and staff, but he especially enjoyed trivia where he excelled and would often say, “I knew all the answers, but wanted to give others a chance”.   Throughout his life he was always quick to help and lend a hand to others or simply greet you with a smile.  We recently asked him what he thought he owed his longevity to, and he said, “I just try to help and befriend as many people as I can, and stay away from the Doctor’s office”.   

Richard was a beloved son, brother, uncle, and a dear friend to many.  He will be missed.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents Henry and Francis Heble, brothers Duane and Ron Heble, sister, Sr. Phyllis Marie Heble, and nieces Brenda and Michelle Heble.  

He is survived by his nephew Blaine Heble, Lindsborg KS, niece Becky (Heble) Bullock, Leawood, KS, nephew Jason Heble, AZ and niece Lisa (Heble) Hughes, AZ.  

Memorial donations can be made directly to Most Precious Blood Catholic Church in memory of Richard D. Heble.