Roy Charles Heesen

Roy Charles Heesen, 88 (formerly of Bandon, Oregon), passed away peacefully on May 1, 2009 at the Beaumont Army Medical Center, El Paso, TX. He was preceded in death by his wife Hallie, brother Robert, and grandson Jeffrey. Roy was born on July 18, 1920, in Walla Walla, Washington, the son of Charles and Ruth Heesen. His mother died two months after Roy was born, and his father five months later. He was raised by his maternal grandparents and grew up with aunts Lola and Amy. Roy was a veteran of the U.S. Army, having served during World War II laying cable in the Pacific. He married Hallie Dashiell, in Seattle, Washington, in 1943. Roy drove trucks (the big rigs) for Wells Truckways and Consolidated Freightways for many years, going between San Francisco, Provo Utah, and L.A. Though one would think he would be sick of driving, Roy thought nothing of taking the family all over Southern California, on weekends, and then all over the western United States for vacations. After living in California for over 20 years, Roy and Hallie moved to Bandon, Oregon where he built the A-frame home they lived in, and loved, for over 30 years. In 2002 they moved to El Paso, Texas, to be near their daughter Sandra, and her husband, Robert. Roy loved this dry sunny climate and would ride his bike up to 15 miles a day, waving to everyone he met. He never stopped being surprised that, in El Paso, everyone always waved back. Roy made friends wherever he went and always had a smile, a story, and sometimes a song to brighten their day. If he had something in his hand or at his disposal he usually gave it away; that’s just how he was! Roy’s last few months were spent at the Texas State Veterans' Home in El Paso where he received exceptional care in the Special Care unit. While there he was still singing, entertaining many with his stories, and using that customary greeting to everyone, "Hey, Kemosabe!" Roy will be greatly missed and lovingly remembered by his children, Sandra Frazier (Robert), Mark, David (Karen), daughter-in-law Judy, 10 grandchildren Dennis, Cheryl, Tracy, Mike, Sarah, Steve, Jeremy, Jamie, Kristin, and Anna and 9 great-grandchildren Rachael, Jessica, Sarah, Hannah, Michael, Lucas, Chase, Brayden and Josiah. A memorial service in his honor will be held Tuesday, May 12, at 11:00 a.m. in the clubhouse of Casa Mobil. The Rev. Daniel Jones, of Sun Valley Baptist Temple of El Paso, will be officiating. A graveside service will be held at Fort Bliss Cemetery at 2:00 with Rev. Robert Frazier (Sandra’s husband) officiating. Services entrusted to Sunset Funeral Homes-Northeast.