Jack Freeman Heath
Jack Freeman Heath, 95, passed away on Friday, August 16, 2024, in Brownwood, Texas. He was born December 18, 1928, in Caddo, Stephens County, Texas, to William H. and Etta L. (Riddle) Heath.
Jack graduated from Breckinridge High School in 1947 and then attended John Tarleton College. He began his military career in the National Guard and subsequently enlisted in the United States Army. Jack had a total of 26 years of service to his country. His military career was followed by civilian employment as the administrator at both Blackwell Hospital in Gorman and De Leon Hospital during a critical time for rural hospitals. After retiring (again), he opened The Cat and Candle Book and Music Store in Stephenville. He was especially proud to support Texas authors and publishers. After selling the bookstore he enjoyed several years of retirement living at Lake Proctor. In 1998, Jack was married to Debra Lynn Stephens, and they made their home in Brownwood for the next 26 years.
Jack was preceded in death by his parents, William and Etta Heath; brother, G.W. Heath; sister, Johnnie Carroll; and son, Gary Lynn Heath.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Debra; and grandchildren, Amy Lynn Heath and Benjamin Reilly Heath. He is also survived by a host of other relatives, neighbors, friends, and the loving nurses, aides, and caregivers who supported him in his last years.
The Heath family will receive friends for visitation on Tuesday, August 20, 2024, from 5-7:00 p.m. at Nowlin Anders Funeral Home in De Leon. Funeral services celebrating Jack’s life will be held Wednesday, August 21, 2024, at 3:00 p.m. at Nowlin Anders Funeral Home with Rev. Sheridan Priddy Conner officiating. Interment will follow in De Leon Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of your choice in memory of Jack. Condolences may be offered online at www.nowlinandersfh.com.
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Founded in 2017 by journalists Tony Pilkington and Carla McKeown, the Breckenridge Texan provides daily local news coverage, weekly newsletters, photo galleries, a community calendar, and obituaries. The outlet serves both local residents and people outside the community seeking information about Breckenridge and Stephens County, including potential new residents and businesses. They chose the non-profit structure to maintain local control of news coverage while minimizing the financial burden on the community.
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