M. Leroy Heman

Mr. M. LeRoy Heman, age 82, of Jefferson City, Mo., passed away Wednesday, July 4, 2018 in Springfield, Mo.. He was born June 7, 1936 in Independence, Mo., the son of Martin H. and Ella A. (Dieckman) Heman. He was married November 29, 1959 in Independence, Mo. to Judith Jo Johnson, who preceded him in death January 10, 2014. A resident of Jefferson City area since 1965, LeRoy was a 1954 graduate of William Chrisman High School in Independence, Mo. He received a Bachelor Degree from Central Missouri State University, Warrensburg, Mo. and a Masters Degree from the University of Missouri, Columbia, Mo. He worked for the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) for over 40 years and retired as Assistant Chief, Fisheries Division. At 80 years old he was still participating in Department Training Programs. He was an active member of First United Methodist Church for more than 50 years and was a member of the Fisherman Sunday School Class. LeRoy served on the board of directors of the First United Methodist Church Foundation and was its president in 2009 and 2010. LeRoy was a patriot who loved America and volunteered to serve in the United States Army Reserves from 1959-1965. After retiring from MDC in 1998, LeRoy presented numerous patriotic speeches and programs with the Honor Guard of VFW Post 1003. His total audiences exceeded 12,000. Throughout his life, LeRoy enjoyed hunting, fishing, tennis, and during retirement keeping in shape by riding his bicycle over 34,000 miles. Survivors include his daughter, Jennifer Jo Heman of Jefferson City, Mo.; and three sisters-in-law, Frances Heman, Nancy Delzer, and Marty Jacobsen. He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Leonard F. Heman and Lester A. Heman, both of Independence, Mo. Visitation will be held at the First United Methodist Church from 10:00 until 12:00 p.m., Tuesday, July 10, 2018 with his funeral service following at 12:00 p.m. Tuesday with the Reverend Karen Taylor officiating. Graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, July 11, 2018 at the Ebenezer United Church of Christ Cemetery in Levasy, Mo. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the First United Methodist Church Foundation M. LeRoy Heman Family Scholarship Fund, 201 Monroe Street, Jefferson City, MO 65101. Funeral Arrangements are under the direction of Freeman Mortuary. www.freemanmortuary.com