Louis Lair “Larry” Heil

Louis Lair “Larry” Heil died at the age of 80, at his home on December 5, 2014, of pancreatic cancer.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday in Biggers Funeral Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to the Azle Animal Shelter, Box 2091, Azle, Texas 76098, or the Humane Society of North Texas, 1840 E. Lancaster Ave., Fort Worth, Texas 76103.

Larry was born in 1934 in Topeka, Kansas to Louis and Mary Heil, and was the eldest of three children. He grew up in Topeka and attended Topeka High. Later, Larry attended the University of Kansas, graduating with a degree in journalism in 1956. He married and raised three children, Nancy, Tricia, and Robert.

While at KU, Larry participated in the ROTC, followed by four years of active duty in the Navy, including tours aboard the USS Ashtabula and USS Missouri. After active duty, he continued to serve in the Naval Reserve, retiring after 25 years with the rank of Captain.

Larry worked in journalism and public relations in Kansas and Ohio, before moving to Fort Worth in 1972, to accept a position at McDonald Transit. He worked at McDonald Transit for over 30 years, eventually becoming the company’s CEO. Under his leadership, McDonald Transit thrived, achieving a national scope and sterling reputation. He was inducted into the American Public Transit Association Hall of Fame in 2006 and the Texas Transportation Hall of Honor in 2008.

Larry married Karen in 1993 and began a new chapter of his life with Karen and daughter, Amy. Larry and Karen were blessed with 21 years together, building a home and sharing life’s simple pleasures. They enjoyed watching movies, playing Scrabble, and spending time together and with their grandchildren.

Larry had a lifelong love of the sea and enjoyed sailing on Eagle Mountain Lake.

He expressed his artistic gifts through oil painting, woodworking, and writing. One of his hobbies included building elaborate scenery for his model train collection.

He was a long time Brother of the Kansas Freemasons, Orient Lodge #51 Topeka, Kansas, with 59 years of service.

He began performing stage magic at an early age, a passion that continued throughout his life. Larry was well respected in the magic community and received its highest honor, being inducted into the Order of Merlin Excelsior, which requires 60 consecutive years of membership in the Society of American Magicians.

He was a kind, courageous, creative man with a curious mind, keen wit, and deep sense of wonder. He will be dearly missed.

He is survived by his loving wife Karen; sisters Susan (Layne) Wallace of Atlantic Beach, Florida and Marcia (Reg) Johnston of Cochrane, Alberta; children Nancy (Martha) Heil of Missoula, Montana, Tricia (Paul) Davis of Austin, Robert Heil of Austin, and Amy (Jason) Needham of Aledo; grandchildren, Michael (Jenna) Mattingly, Laura (Amar) Mattingly, Julia Heilrayne, Arwyn Heilrayne, Luke Needham, and Eli Needham; greatgrandson Samson Siebenaler; nephew Chris (Jen) Rulon; brother in spirit and fellow magician Geoff Grimes; and dog companions Godiva and Thor.