Gene Heise

Kenneth Gene Heise Sr., 85, of Cape Girardeau died Saturday, May 12, 2012, at his home.

He was born Oct. 27, 1926, in Cape Girardeau, to Albert G. and Katie Kimmich Heise. He and Dorothea Rickard were married Aug. 12, 1945, in Cape Girardeau. She preceded him in death March 27, 2012.

Gene attended Trinity Lutheran School eight years, graduated from Central High School in 1944, and Spartan School of Aeronautics in Tulsa, Okla., obtaining an aircraft and powerplant rating.

He was a veteran of World War II, serving in the Army Air Force where he trained as a cadet until his discharge in November 1945.

Gene was active in local flying events and a past member of Cape Girardeau Plane Owners and Pilots Club and EAA Chapter 453 of Painton, Mo. He was a charter member of St. Mark Lutheran Church and of Harold O. Grauel Masonic Lodge 672 AF&AM. He was also a 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Mason and a member of Capaha Scottish Rite Club.

He was a sales representative with Horton Sales Co. 42 years, retiring in 1989.

Survivors include four sons, Kenneth G. Heise Jr. of Collierville, Tenn., Monty G. Heise of Van Buren, Mo., Randy G. Heise of Cape Girardeau, Brad G. Heise of Jackson; 10 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, a brother and four sisters.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. today at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home. A Masonic service will be held at 7.

The funeral will be at 2 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home, with the Rev. S. Michael Malone officiating. Entombment will be in Cape County Memorial Park, with military rites by Missouri Honor Guard.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.