Gene Garland Heape's Obituary
GENE GARLAND HEAPE was received into the arms of his loving Savior on Tuesday, March 3, 2015 after celebrating his 90th birthday, a surprise party given by his children. He was the spiritual leader of his family exemplifying integrity, humility, loyalty, kindness and generosity – a true example to the many lives he touched. Gene was born in Chelsea, Oklahoma on March 2, 1925. After attending Nowata High School in Oklahoma, he served as a lieutenant in the US Army Air Forces navigating B-29. He attended the University of Oklahoma where he played football from 1946-1950, earning Scholastic All-American honors and a degree in geology. There he met and married the love of his life, Irene, on October 9, 1948 after defeating Texas in the rivalry game. They enjoyed 66 loving years together and were blessed with five children. After positions with major oil companies in his early career, Gene founded Heape Oil/Exploration, Inc and was highly regarded as the foremost authority on exploration in north Texas. He was a member of Dallas Petroleum Club and Grace Bible Church. Gene was deeply loved by his children: Scott Heape and wife Mary Alice; Gregg Heape and wife Ethel; Leslie Heape Hopkins and husband Larry; Lori Heape Sparks and husband Vance; Judd Heape and wife Cathy, along with all his beloved grandchildren: David Heape; Austin Heape and wife Kimberly; Jonathan Heape; Angela Mitchell and husband Bartley; Garland Gene Sepulveda and husband Matthew; Lawson Hopkins and wife Rachel; Evann Hopkins; Jarrod Sparks; Elizabeth Sparks and great grandchild, Ava Mitchell. A memorial service will be held at Grace Bible Church at 1:00 pm on Monday, March 9, 2015, 11306 Inwood Rd, Dallas, TX 75229. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Restland Funeral Home and Memorial Park, 13005 Greenville Avenue, Dallas, TX 75243. In lieu of flowers, if desired, memorials may be sent to Grace Bible Church or Turning Point Ministries, 10007 Riverford Rd, Lakeside, CA 92040.
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