CAMPBELL HILL – Richard Dean Heine, 81, went home to his Lord and Savior on Monday, February 9, 2026, surrounded by his loving family at Missouri Baptist Hospital. He was born in Pinckneyville, IL, on July 30, 1944, to Wesley and Vera (Hodge) Heine. He graduated from Trico High School in June 1962 and received an associate’s degree at Belleville Area College. He married the love of his life, Marilyn Holder on June 20, 1964, at Denmark Baptist Church. They enjoyed nearly 59 years together before she preceded him to heaven in 2023.

Richard was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, and is survived by his children, Belinda and Scott Conner of Gilbertsville, KY, Rosemary and Joel Boswell of Richland Hills, TX, Bryan and Lisa Heine of Campbell Hill, IL, and Matthew and Lisa Heine of Tamaroa, IL. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Rebecca and Steven Linares of Queens, NY, Benjamin and Alicia Conner of Nolinsville, TN, Jacob and Bekah Boswell of Ft Worth, TX, Luke Boswell of North Richland Hills, TX, Isaac Heine, Reese Heine, Eloise Heine, and Everett Heine and great grandson, Joshua Boswell. Additional survivors include his brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces, and nephews. He is preceded in death by his wife, Marilyn, his parents, brother, Gerald Wesley Heine, his daughter, Karen, and one infant grandchild.

Richard was an active member of Denmark Baptist Church where he attended his entire life and held many leadership roles including deacon and trustee. He was active on the Cottom Cemetery Board for many years. He worked a variety of jobs throughout his lifetime in agriculture, electrical and plumbing, and business ownership (Percy Hardware) and finished his career with many years at Wrights Building Center in Sparta. He was very knowledgeable and helped many people solve home maintenance problems and was often giving of his own time to help others. After retirement, he enjoyed traveling with his wife and spending time with his family across the United States. After the passing of his beloved wife, Richard stayed active attending his grandchildren’s sports events, eating out with his friends, attending gospel singing and visiting with his family and friends. He was always up for an enjoyable conversation.

Funeral services will be held on Sunday, February 15, 2026, 1:00 pm, at Wilson’s Funeral Home, Ava, IL, with Pastor Marty DeRoche and Pastor Lee Valerius officiating. Burial to follow at Cottom Cemetery, Cutler, IL. Visitation will be Saturday evening, February 14, 2026, where friends may call from 3:30 – 6:00 pm, and then on Sunday morning, 7:30 am until time of service at the funeral home. Memorials may be given to Cottom Cemetery or Denmark Baptist Church and can be mailed to Wilson’s Funeral Home, P.O. Box 277, Ava, IL 62907.