Louis W. Heavner, Jr.

Louis Wells Heavner, Jr., passed away on May 2, 2015 in Navarre Beach, FL. He was born January 30, 1932, in Riverside, NJ, to Edna Colsey Heavner and Louis W. Heavner, Sr., who both preceded him in death, His only brother, Jeffrey Heavner, also preceded him in death. At age 15, the family moved to Tulsa, OK and Louis graduated from Will Rogers High School in 1950. He received his BS degree in Animal Husbandry from Oklahoma A & M College, and his DVM degree from Oklahoma State University in 1958. He is a member of Sigma Nu Fraternity.

Upon graduation, Louis opened Purcell Veterinary Hospital, but after a year he became a partner in the Norman Veterinary Hospital in Norman, OK and remained there until 1967. While there, he was appointed to the Oklahoma Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners by the Governor of the State, and served as its president for three years. Louis and his partner both took flying lessons at Oklahoma University and purchased a Cessna 205 which they used for business and pleasure – a hobby he thoroughly enjoyed!

In 1967, the desire for warmer climate caused Louis and his family to move to New Orleans where he established Aurora Animal Hospital, Inc., and practiced there until his retirement in 1999. He was especially proud of having had the second hospital in the State of Louisiana to attain the “Certified Veterinary Hospital” status of the prestigious American Animal Hospital Association. He and his partner opened three outpatient clinics on the Westbank of New Orleans, and he was one of the founding members of the Westbank Pet Emergency Clinic.

Dr. Heavner also received his certification in Veterinary Acupuncture from Purdue University in 1976, and was a member of the Cayman Veterinary Practice in the Cayman Islands from 1972-1982, spending 2 weeks/year in the islands with family and friends.

He was an honorary member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, a life member of the Louisiana VMA, and the Southeast Louisiana VMA, having served as its president. He was also a Hospital Director Emeritus of the American Animal Hospital Association.

Upon retirement, Louis moved to Navarre Beach, FL and became a member of the Miracle Strip VMS, and enjoyed his service as part-time Track Veterinarian for Ebro Greyhound Park during racing seasons.

He was an active member of the First United Methodist Church in Ft. Walton Beach, having served on the Staff-Parish Relations Committees, and he especially enjoyed being a part of their mission trip to Honduras in 2000.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Towers Heavner, his high school sweetheart. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 2003 on a Caribbean Cruise with all their children and grandchildren. Also surviving are his three children, Louis, III and wife Betsy of Austin, TX; Will Heavner and wife Nancy of St. Louis, MO; and daughter Sandy Arnold and husband Doug of Edmond, OK. His 11 grandchildren who were the light of his life are Sara, Tom, Rebecca, David, Benjamin and Lucy Heavner of Austin; Sadie and husband Kyle Finke of Chicago, Logan and Brittany Heavner of St. Louis, and Amanda and Dylan Arnold of Edmond, OK. He is also survived by sisters-in-law Marilyn and husband Ira Williams of Albuquerque, NM, Jean Wortley of Dallas, TX, and Diane Heavner of Waynesboro, VA, and many nieces and nephews.

Lou always enjoyed gardening and woodworking, especially making creative “one-of-a-kind’ pieces for his grandchildren, including a cradle for each family. Since retiring to a condo, he did a little patio gardening and loved the beach life. He will always be remembered for his impeccable integrity and his wonderful sense of humor.

Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 6, 2015 at First United Methodist Church of Fort Walton Beach. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. A funeral service will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 9, 2015 at Schaudt-Teel Funeral Service, 5757 South Memorial Drive, Tulsa, Oklahoma 74145, followed by interment at Memorial Park Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Greyhound Pets of America Emerald Coast, P.O. Box 64, Gonzalez, FL 32560. www.gpaec.com