Morgantown American Legion Riders, led by Candy Burkhart and Neil Wagner, escorted SFC Harry J. Heater (retired), 87, to his final resting place in Limerick Garden of Memories on July 6, 2016. He died June 27.
They joined with a group comprised of members of the Spring City American Legion and the Fort Dix, N.J. Honor Detail assisting with graveside services.
His son Keith Heater gave the eulogy at Shalkop Grace & Stump Funeral Home, Spring City to a packed house, many traveling from other states.
His remarks, “We gather to say farewell to our Dad, Harry James Heater, a husband to our beloved mother Helen, (deceased 2008). A father of five, a grandfather of eight, a great-grandfather of two, a brother, an uncle, a cousin, a co-worker, a neighbor, a friend, a proud soldier, veteran, postman and a patriot.”
“In addition to being a retired war hero, and a 20-year Spring City postman, baseball was his game. He was a pillar of youth sports spanning 20 years, umpiring Spring City Little League Baseball, Legion baseball and Coventry girls softball, He also officiated, coached, and scouted opposing teams for the baseball coaches,” Keith said.
He added, “He wrote poems for years, not sharing them until 1988, while attending our 1st Army reunion of the 1/8 CAV Jumping Mustangs, his Vietnam unit. As a Combat Medic, death and dying were commonplace. Holding a dying soldier in his arms, pleading with God to help him spare the young man’s life, he shed far too many a tear. Dad didn’t realize at the time that the Lord was helping by having him there, serving the wounded and dying, he was serving God. After years of attending these gatherings of comrades, who fought, bled and cried together, he embraced his role as healer, mentor, and servant. We were blessed for 28 years to unite with them his extended family.”
Called “The Legend” at Limerick Lanes, he sported championship rings on both hands won bowling either with his right or left hand. He traveled many states in his extensive bowling career.
He lived his life well enjoying the company of family, friends, and even strangers, who to him were merely friends he just hadn’t met before.
Darren Quaintance of Morgantown, who met him two years ago, spoke to his “love and patriotism to God and country by serving others. He took my sons last Memorial Day to D.C. to teach and show them patriotism in action. He never missed Josh and Caleb’s little league games. Pop was their hero.”
He mentored the little catcher “to move up”. This year Josh’s team High Point Baptist won their league championship. Josh said after, “I really moved up almost got hit by a bat.”
After meeting Morgantown American Legion Riders at the Moving Wall in PA he became an active participant in local community events.
“Out of all the vets I’ve met Harry will always be my favorite. Without someone like him to share his war experiences, we would never know the truth. He will be forever in our hearts,” said Candy Burkhart, Legion Rider.
He was their featured speaker at the Zerbe Sisters Nursing Home Mansion in Narvon, August 2014 for Living History Day, sharing his memories and war poems.
Nov. 22, 2014 the Reading Royals chose to honor this decorated veteran, for serving from 1945-1969 in WWII, The Korean War, and two tours in Vietnam, who was shot down three times, for Veteran’s Appreciation Game Day and the Army/ Navy Game.
His sister Linda Taormina, who lost a son in the World Trade Center 9/11 attack, said, “He was always my hero from the time I was a little girl.”
Kevin Heater, his grandson stationed with the Air Force in Little Rock Arkansas said, “Pop is a huge role model of mine. I play ball for the Air force. Pop was going to be drafted by the Red Sox but he joined up with the Army.”
“Taking Pop to The Moving Wall this June in Reading, was one of the neatest experiences that I had with him that highlighted his connection with the Vietnam War. We had folks gather from all around the park just to catch a glimpse of this war Vet, as Pop and I searched for his friend’s names etched upon The Moving Wall. It was humbling for me to see how all these people, some Veterans themselves, came over to Pop and thanked him for his service. It made me proud of my grandfather and his service to his brothers in arms,” said Kyle James Heater.
This was to be his final act for his country. Harry showed me that worn list of names he carried in his wallet the day I met him in Narvon. I was honored to share him reading them Memorial Day 2015, at the Wall in Washington, D.C.
The following are poems by Harry Heater.
Here I AmI am etched upon this wall
For you and the world to see. I gave my life, my only one
So you could all be free.I see the tears as you walk by
And look upon my name.Your heart is heavy; your life has changed
Never to be the same. Time has passed and wounds have healed
The world goes on anew.But I stay here upon this wall.
To bring back thoughts to you.Please think about the good times
That you and I have had.Forget about all those bad times
That only make you sad.So come again to see me
And be proud as you can be.For I’ll be looking down upon you
For all eternity.
