Harold E. Heth (64) of Shumway

Harold Eugene Heth of Shumway, Illinois died on Sunday, January 19, 2020, peacefully in his home at the age of 64. He was born on March 5, 1954 in a car on South Banker St. in Effingham to Merle “Tommy” Heth and Joy Heth (Crawford).

Visitation will be held at Johnson Funeral Home in Effingham between 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 22. Funeral services will be held at Johnson Funeral Home at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 23 with burial at Mound Cemetery in Willow Hill, IL with military rites.

Harold served as a Missile Crewman, PFC, in the United States Army from 1973-1975. His decorations included National Defense Service Medal, Sharpshooter Badge with M16 Rifle Bar and the Marksmanship Badge with Green Bar.

In 1985, Harold married Diana Sue Greider (Abraham) and lived in Shumway, Illinois for the past 35 years. Harold was an active member of Centenary United Methodist Church in Effingham.

From 1978-1986 he worked as a desk clerk for Ramada. During those years he formed many relationships throughout the community that he cherished for life – he would often run into people from those years and reconnect as if no time had passed.

Harold was known for his kindness and endless joy in helping others. In addition to volunteering for hospice and delivering meals-on-wheels, for 30+ years Harold has helped thousands of local residents as an around the clock volunteer and organizer for FISH. Fondly known as “Mr. FISH”, he helped organize the free Thanksgiving and Christmas Day dinners, which provide delicious meals for residents of Effingham County. Harold and Sue helped organize the local NAMI organization in memory of their son, Mark, after he was diagnosed with schizophrenia. NAMI offers a support group for caregivers of people with mental illnesses the first Wednesday of each month.

Harold could never pass up a good deal and enjoyed garage sales and thrifting in his spare time. He was also dedicated to his keeping his lawn pristine, exercising daily and steering clear of “bad” carbs.

He is survived by his wife Diana Sue Heth; his children Joey Heth (Donna Harris) of Los Angeles, CA, Kiley Joy Heth (Josh Orem), Katie Wernsing (Jake) of Teutopolis, IL, Nicole Nuermberger (Brett) of Denver, CO, Jon Greider (Krystle) of Abbey, SC; His sisters Jacqueline Blair (Dennis Parks) of Effingham, Mary Jane Beck (Gary) of Mason, and Evelyn Lash of Modesto, CA; Nieces Marcy Faber (Pete) of Watson, IL, Marie Beck of Watson, IL, Pam Helton (John) of Strasburg, IL, Shelly Gibson (Kevin) of Mercede, CA; Nephews Kevin Blair of Effingham, Chris Beck (Crystal) of Watson, Matt Beck (Lisa) of Effingham, Charles Yoder (Tracy) of Modesto, CA. His grandchildren Lauren Cates, Olivia Cates, and Avery Greider. And numerous other loved ones and house plants.

He was preceded in death by his son, Mark Quentin Heth, his parents, Merle and Joy Heth, his brother Tommy Joe Heth, his mother-in-law, Marguerite Abraham and beloved cat Jenna.

As Harold would wish, donations to FISH or NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Health) are requested in lieu of flowers. Online condolences may be shared at www.johnsonandsonsfh.com.

FISH: https://www.effinghamcountyfish.org/   ph. 217-342-2200

NAMI : https://donate.nami.org