10/24/2020
Richard Raymond Heath died October 24, 2020 while at Mercy Hospital in Des Moines. At Dick’s request, his body was cremated and a memorial service will be held at a later date.
Dick was born March 18, 1943, in Knoxville, Iowa to Richard and Gertrude (Edwards) Heath.
He was raised in Knoxville and graduated from Knoxville High School in 1960.
Dick married his “first love”, Ann Marie McDaniel August 12, 1967, in Knoxville and made their home in Ankeny. The couple had two children, Brian Richard, and Amanda Marie.
Dick worked many jobs, from the block plant in Knoxville to construction in Ankeny. He also served in the Iowa Air National Guard’s 132nd Supply Squadron in Des Moines as a Fuel Specialist and was honorably discharged in 1970 at the rank of Staff Sergeant (E-5).
After many years in construction, he became a route driver for Interstate Batteries. Dick loved his job which allowed him to meet and talk with so many small automotive businesses all over central and southern Iowa. His job also allowed him to scour Iowa for parts for his “second love”, his 1966 Chevy Impala SS Convertible.
In 1999, Dick and Ann moved to Palmer, Alaska to be near their kids and grandkids. Dick enjoyed driving his ATV on the trails near the Knick River and Eklutna Glacier and cruising the backroads in his Impala.
The winters in Alaska began to lose their appeal, so Dick and Ann became snowbirds driving from Palmer, Alaska to Corona, California to be near his sister and his niece and nephews and their families.
In 2018, Dick and Ann moved back to Ankeny along with the rest of their Alaska family.
Dick was preceded in death by his parents.
He is survived by his sisters Sandra Isley of Corona, CA, Sharon (Don) East of Ames, IA, wife Ann, son Brian (Donna) Heath and Daughter Amanda (Brian) Swisher, grandchildren Katherine Heath, Mark Heath, Emma Swisher, and Noah Swisher, and great-grandchild Lauren.