Lafayette Heath Jr.

KERRVILLE- Lafayette Adair "Sonny" Heath, Jr, 79, of Kerrville passed peacefully from this life on October 29, 2015 at Sid Peterson Regional Hospital. Jesus Christ was his Lord and Savior.

Sonny was born in Gladewater, Texas on October 5, 1936 by the light of a kerosene lamp. He was the son of Ruby Richerson and Lafayette Adair Heath, Sr. He attended Arlington Heights High School and Arlington Heights United Methodist Church where he met the love of his life, Linda Kathryn Fletcher, also of Fort Worth. They married on November 12, 1960.

Sonny attended Tarleton State University, North Texas State University, Texas Christian University where he ran track, and Sul Ross State University where he achieved his Master's Degree in Education. Sonny's passions were running, scouting, hiking and camping, history, Zane Gray Western novels, and his personal relationship with Jesus Christ. His children have fond memories of his searching for arrowheads and running in the West Texas desert, and leading family hikes in the Guadalupe Mountains.

His scouting adventures included trips to the Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico, and attending the Boy Scout Jamboree at Valley Forge. Sonny achieved Eagle Scout status and led a troop of boys from the West Texas Children's Home in Pyote, Texas for his passion for running extended to completing several marathons. He also enjoyed an active social life including the Trail Blazers Walking Club in Kerrville.

Sonny's teaching career started at Pyote High School where he served as coach of the track team. Later Sonny was a reading and spelling teacher at Monahans, Jr High School and enjoyed his extra-curricular activity as bus driver and usher at Friday night football games. He was a lay minister at Pyote Methodist Church and served the community as a Gideon delivering Bibles to hotels in surrounding towns. Sonny served his country as reservist in the US Army at Ft. Leoanard Wood, Missouri.

Sonny and Linda shared a love of reading and were both active members of the Zane Gray Historical Society and enjoyed summer trips with the society.
Sonny's love for the Church and the Church community was evident throughout his life and sustained him and his family in his final days. He was an example to all in his love of Christ and fellowship with church family and friends. His faith will carry us forward as we grieve his loss and celebrate his love of God.

Sonny was preceded in death by his mother Ruby, his father Lafayette "L.A." and recently by his beloved wife Linda Kathryn. Those left to honor his memory are his brother, Charles Evans Heath of Billings Montana, sister Mary Ann Kring of Lubbock, son Steven Heath and his Wife Donna of Houston Tx. , his son Troy Heath, of Washington NJ, his daughter Shelley Heath of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, his grandchildren Zac Clingaman, Paige Clingaman, Tamra Heath, Shane Heath, Dylan Heath, and Olivia Heath.

A viewing will be held at Kerrville Funeral Home, on Friday October 30, 2015 from 6-8 PM, followed by a funeral at St Paul's United Methodist Church in Kerrville on Saturday October 31 2015 at 1 PM.
He loved his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Psalm 23: The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.

The family invites you to leave a message or memory at www.kerrvillefuneralhometx.com Select obituaries, select "sign guestbook" at the top of the individual memorial.

Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of the professionals at Kerrville Funeral Home. (830) 895-5111

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