Richard "Dick" Heald

Richard “Dick” Heald, 82, of Monrovia, passed from this life in the early morning hours of Thursday, May 25, 2023, after a 2-year battle with cancer. He was born on January 17, 1941 to the late Herman G. and Margaret E. (Hadley) Heald. Growing up in Plainfield, Dick spent his summers working on his uncle’s farm, where he learned the value of hard work and dedication. Attending Plainfield High School, he was an enthusiastic member of the FFA, learning hands-on work experience and the development of life skills. A prankster in his youth, he and his fellow classmates topped previous senior pranks by somehow managing to hoist a small sports car atop the school, as well as releasing turkeys inside. After graduating with the class of 1959, Dick proudly enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. In 1989, Dick met the love of his life, Kim Schelm. The two had been acquainted for several years, when Stephanie, Dick’s daughter, pestered Kim relentlessly to have dinner with her father until she finally gave in. Enamored from the get-go, but unsure the relationship would endure the age difference, they were further encouraged by their sons that they were destined to be. A year later, the pair vowed their everlasting love and commitment to each other on June 16, 1990 at the Plainfield Friends Meeting Church and spent 32 years, 11 months, and 9 days together. Community minded and selfless, Dick immersed himself into civic duties. He was a charter member of the Monrovia Lions Club, Morgan County Sheriff’s Merit Board, aided in establishing Brown Township Ambulance, “Life Star”, member of the Plainfield Friends Meeting, Plainfield Eagles Lodge #3207, Plainfield Masonic Lodge #653, Mooresville Optimist Club, Kiwanis, American Legion Post #103, and part of the cast of Hall’s Hilarious Hillbillies. Serving on Mooresville’s Town Council, Dick was also Police Commissioner for 12 years. A hard worker, he spent 36 years in the Banking Business, was employed with Carpenter Realtors from 2002 to 2023, Heald Milk Transport for 14 years, along with establishing his own business flipping homes as Grumpy Old Men Construction. A hands-on father, Dick was actively involved in the children’s lives. He was a director and coached for Mooresville Little League and Softball, was a Band & Show Choir Parent's Organization, as well as sponsoring two foreign exchange students, Eric Nagles and Rafael Ramiro. A NASCAR fan, Dick frequently attended races, cheering on his favorite driver, Jeff Gordon. Gifted with his hands, he was fond of woodworking, fishing, piddling around with the grandkids, and especially vacationing. Social by nature, he loved people and took you for who you are, never passing judgement. A great teacher and mentor, Dick was blessed with the ability to really listen to what you had to say, never breaking eye contact as you poured your heart out to him. The rock of the family, he was known as “Pappy” by the grands, who loved hanging out with him while he passed on the life lessons and skills, he learned in his 82 years on earth. When you think of Dick, remember him for his hugs and his big smile, then picture him sitting in the place he loved, the back porch overlooking his beautiful yard and pond. Along with his parents, Dick was preceded in death by his brother, David Heald, and granddaughter, Harper Curts He leaves behind his loving wife, Kim S. (Schelm) Heald of Monrovia; children, Veronica Pfister of Plainfield, Stephanie Parks (husband, Rodney) of Monrovia, Richard Earl “Rich” Heald, II (wife, Shannon) of Brazil, Charles “Chuck” Curts (wife, Amy) of Boggstown, and Joel Matthew Curts of Mooresville; siblings, Robert Heald (wife, Karen) of Plainfield, and Don Heald (wife, Debbie) of Westfield; former wife, Darlene (Swinney) Heald of Mooresville; grandchildren, Matthew, Lauren, Kathryn (Jess), Mitchell, Austin (Kinsey), Ashley (Braden), Ali (Neil), Grant (Bailey), Hunter, Lexi, Christopher, Charlie, Taylor, and Andrew; great grandchildren, Payton, Declan, Delaney, and Lenora. great grandchildren, Payton, Declan, Delaney, and Lenora. Cremation and Funeral Arrangements have been entrusted to Light Memorial & Funeral Chapel in Monrovia. Friends and family are invited to gather on Wednesday, May 31, 2023, from 4pm to 8pm at the funeral home, with a Masonic Rites Service beginning promptly at 7pm. An additional hour of calling will be held on Thursday, June 1, from 10am until a Celebration of Life Service at 11am, with full Military Honors. Pastor Brandon Sichting will officiate, and Dick will be inurned in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, Hall, at a later date. In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions may be made to the Monrovia Lions Club Park Fund, P.O. Box 389, Monrovia, IN, 46157, or to the Simon Cancer Research Center/Esophageal Cancer Research Fund, Post Office Box 500, Bloomington, IN, 47402, or online by clicking https://give.myiu.org/centers-institutes/I380016213.html, and envelopes will be available during services. To share a favorite story, send an online condolence to the family, or light a candle in his memory, please visit his tribute page at www.lightmemorial.com.

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Richard "Dick" Heald

January 17, 1941 - May 25, 2023