Willard Jess Heath

Willard Heath, 96, passed away peacefully at home Saturday, April 4, 2015. Visitation will be held Tuesday, April 7, from 6 to 8 pm at Cozart Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, April 8, at the First Baptist Church Flynn at 2 pm. Bro. Dee Black will preside over services. Burial will follow services at the Wealthy Cemetery.

Willard Heath was born on May 3, 1918 in Wealthy, TX. He was raised in Wealthy by his parents Ona and Ed Biddle. Willard was married to the love of his life Thelma Swallow on March 13, 1940. They were happily married for 72 years. Willard was a devoted family man, loved to garden, hunt, fish and work with cows. He never met a stranger, liked to visit old friends and share old stories. Along lifes path Willard helped many folks as he could to get a job, or a place to stay when moving to Clute. Willard worked as an iron worker for Dow for 30 years. He is also a proud member of the Masonic Lodge.

Willard joined the Civil Conservation Corps in 1936 at Camp SCS-27-T Madisonville, TX and helped build Sam Houston State Park. He received two Honorable Discharges from Civilian Conservation Corps. Willard shortly after the Corps joined the US Navy. He was active in WWII and had an Honorable Discharge for service to his country.

Willard was a member of the First Baptist Church Flynn. Willard always looked forward to playing dominoes with friends at the Geelan House.

Willard was preceded in death by his wife Thelma; both parents; a son Willard Thomas and a son-in-law Marvin Oliver.

Survivors include his children and spouses; Dorothy and Jay Barrett, T9C and Red Sanders, Bonnie and David Keith, Diann and Michael Linger, Calvin and Janie Heath; 10 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren, and 4 great-great grandchildren.