Tony Heiter, colonel of infantry, stood his last reveille July 15, 2014 at age 81.
He was born Aug. 19, 1932 at the height of the Great Depression to Bernice, nee Rose, and Charles Heiter.
He began an Army career at age 15 as a private and retired as a colonel 32 years later. A decorated veteran of two wars, he participated in 10 campaigns and was twice wounded in action.
His 27 awards and decorations include two Silver Stars; two Legion of Merits, the Distinguished Flying Cross; the Bronze Star with V, three awards; two Purple Hearts; the Air Medal with V, 11 awards; the Combat Infantryman Badge with Star; and U.S. Army, Thai Army and Thai Border Patrol Police Master Parachutist badges.
A high school dropout, he earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees by studying during after-duty hours. He was a 1975 graduate of the U.S. Army War College.
He is survived by the love of his life, his wife, Erma; four stepchildren; seven grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
He was cremated, and his ashes strewn over the Gulf of Mexico.
Arrangements by Mack Funeral Home Crematory, Robertsdale.
