Theodore Heideman Gilbert

Gilbert Theodore Heideman, a 36 year resident of Port Lavaca, peacefully entered into his rest, June 16, 2005 at the age of 78. He was born September 8, 1926, in Neiderwald, Texas to the late Louis Albert Heideman and Anna Louise Beuershausen. Mr. Heideman graduated from high school in Hayes County in 1943. He did his undergraduate work at North Texas Agricultural Junior College, now University of Texas at Arlington, from 1947 to 1949. He was a 1951 graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Education and a 1969 graduate with a Masters of Science in Agricultural Education from Texas A&M University at College Station. Gilbert retired after 34 years of service from the Texas Agricultural Extension Service, where he was an Agricultural Extension Agent. Mr. Heideman was an avid outdoorsman enjoying hunting, fishing and gardening. He truly loved his family, friends and community as evident in his service to others. Mr. Heideman always gave of his time, talents and treasures, and especially enjoyed cooking for large groups. Mr. Heideman's activities were as follows: District Director of Epsilon Sigma Phi, a National Extension Professional Fraternity; District Director and President of Texas County Agricultural Agents' Association; Director, President, Zone Chairman and Secretary of Lions Club; Member Lavaca Lodge #36 AF & AM, Port Lavaca; Director of Port Lavaca Calhoun County Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture; County Chairman of the American Cancer Society Crusade; Member of the Board of Trustees, First United Methodist Church; Coordinator of the 4-H programs in Bexar, Dewitt and Calhoun Counties for his 34 years of service; a Member of Texas A&M University Former Students Association for 30+ years; Port Lavaca Community Garden; Calhoun County Cattlemen's Association; and an active member of the First United Methodist Church in Port Lavaca. Gilbert T. Heideman received numerous awards during is lifetime to include: Distinguished Service Award from Texas County Agricultural Agents Association and National Association County Agricultural Agents; Superior Service Award from the Texas Agricultural Extension Service; Outstanding Soil Fertility Educational Program from the Texas Plant Food Society; Superior Service Award from the Epsilon Sigma Phi Fraternity; Feature Story and Environmental Quality Demonstration Awards from Texas and National County Agents organizations; Outstanding Director Award for the Port Lavaca Calhoun County Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture; Life Member of Lions Club Crippled Children's Camp; Life Member of Texas and National County Agents organizations; Man-Of-The-Year in 1995; and the dedication of The 2004 Calhoun County Fair and Livestock Show in honor of Gilbert T. Heideman. Survivors include: his wife, Linda Gregory Heideman of Port Lavaca; son, Gary Boyd Heideman and wife Lorena of Austin; daughter, D'Anna Heideman Eggers and husband David of Houston; brother, William C. Heideman and wife Lenette of Rosenberg and their sons, Randy and wife Beth and Tim and wife Amy and their four children; Four adoring grandchildren, Joshua Boyd Heideman, Anna Lisa Heideman, Cobin Heideman Eggers and Paige Gloria Eggers; and many cherished Family and Friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; his first beloved wife of 43 years, Gloria Boyd Heideman. Friends and family are invited to Richardson-Colonial Funeral Home for visitation, Sunday, June 19, 2005, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Funeral Services will be held Monday, June 20, 2005, at 11:00 a.m. at First United Methodist Church, Rev. Carl Westbrook officiating. Interment to follow at 4:00 p.m., at Live Oak Cemetery in Uhland, Texas, with Dr. Austin Frederick presiding. Distinguished Pallbearers: Fred Knipling, Leo Kainer, Joe Hawes, Harvey Hermann, Harold Franke, Ernie Naron, Herbert Beuershausen, Don Smith, Ervin Hermes, Bill Jones and Alton Franke. Pallbearers: Fred Knipling, Barry Beuershausen, Mike Frers, Harry Frankson, Calvin Baguio and Brian Weiss. Honorary Pallbearers: Noonday Lions Club and Paul Bunnell, M.D. Memorials to First United Methodist Church, Port Lavaca; Gilbert T. Heideman Scholarship, IBC Bank Port Lavaca; Methodist Mission Home, 6487 Whitby, San Antonio, Texas 78240; Calhoun County 4-H Club or charity of choice. The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the doctors, nurses and support personnel at the Memorial Medical Center in Port Lavaca, as well as all friends and family for their support. Richardson-Colonial Funeral Home in charge of arrangements 361-552-2988.