Heist

Wilbur Phillip Heist Jr., 78, of Butler, passed away on Friday, April 19, 2024. He was born in Butler on April 25, 1945, and was the son to the late Dorothy (Brown) and Wilbur Heist Sr.

The 1963 graduate of Butler High School was inspired by the Vietnam conflict and he immediately joined the Navy. Phil served as an E-4 Petty Officer on the U.S.S Kitty Hawk. He was a Navy Airport Control Operator until his honorable discharge in 1969. In 1969, Phil traveled west to California and enrolled in Chaffey College to study journalism.

He was baptized and occasionally attended St. Mark’s Evangelical Lutheran Church. Phil learned multiple instruments in his young life, such as the trumpet, baritone and French horn; the epitome of his high school band career was as the Drum Major of 1962-63. Phil was employed as a bartender and manager at the Elks Club and was proprietor of JeRon’s Gallery and Custom Frames.

He enjoyed golf and fishing. Bowling was a family tradition in the Heist home and still is: Phil’s mom, dad, wife, children and grandchildren have all bowled in league bowling. He loved his five grandchildren and never missed a recital, event or any chance to see them.

Phil was the beloved husband of Barbara (Milburn) Heist since their marriage on Feb. 14, 1971; father of Gregory and Crystal Heist; and grandfather of Mercedes Belch, Serenity Ringler, Sam Heist, Seth Heist and Gabrielle Heist.

HEIST — Services for Wilbur Phillip Heist Jr., who died Friday, April 19, 2024, will be held privately through the SPENCER D. GEIBEL FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, 140 New Castle Road, Butler.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the VA.

Condolences may be offered at www.spencerdgeibel.com.

Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.