HEAP, Harbon Berry

The White Mountain Independent, Show Low, Arizona ~ October 23, 2008 Harbon Berry Heap, 87, a man of great integrity with a great love of God and country, a much loved and admired father, grandfather, rancher, teacher and friend, died Thursday, Oct. 16, 2008, at his home in Mesa. Harbon was born and raised in St. Johns. He joined the Air Force serving in World War II. After the war, he attended Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. It was in Provo that he met and married his sweetheart, Vera. Harbon later graduated from Northern Arizona University and taught elementary school in both Concho and St. Johns in addition to ranching. His family and children were his greatest possessions. His children will always remember him with great love and affection as a hardworking father who taught by example, who led with conviction, who was honest in all his dealings and who served and loved the Lord. Harbon and Vera served as missionaries for the LDS Church in the Tampa Florida Mission. He also served as bishop of the St. Johns 3rd Ward in addition to many years of service in the Mesa Arizona Temple. After Vera passed away, he married Valene Sanders Sherwood of Mesa. They enjoyed eight happy years together. Harbon is survived by his wife, Valene; seven children, Brian H. Heap, Eric A. Heap, Steven P. Heap, Susan Hyatt, Diane LeFevre, Gordon H. Heap and Peggy Reed; and 36 grandchildren and 29 great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be held Saturday, Oct. 25, at 11 a.m. at the St. Johns LDS Stake Center in St. Johns. Visitation will be one-hour prior to services. Burnham Mortuary of St. Johns handled the arrangements. Log on to burnhammortuary.com to send condolences to the family.