William Carroll Heideman (81) of Houston and formerly of Rosenberg went to his heavenly home, Thursday, December 8, 2016. Bill, as most people knew him was born at home in the community of Uhland, TX. The second son of Louis and Louise Heideman, he graduated from Kyle High School in 1954, with many 4H awards and scholarships. He went on to begin his career with Jack Hughes Ford, in San Marcos; Jordan Ford of San Antonio, and Parts Manager for Yates Ford of Alice, TX. From there he went on to own his own auto parts store, Fort Bend Auto Supply (NAPA Auto Parts) in Rosenberg in 1968, where he made his home. Bill continued his education through the Ford Motor Company earning many certificates and later with NAPA continuing education in sales related education. After his retirement from Fort Bend Auto Supply, he continued to work for Davis Bro.’s Auto Parts and then with another NAPA store as a driver. He finally retired for good in 2011.

Bill met his wife and love of 54 years, Lenette Nelson Heideman in San Marcos, TX. They married in August of 1962. Bill became a daddy to Randal Lee Heideman and Timothy Nelson Heideman. He later added daughters Beth Podlipny Heideman and Amy Jerge Heideman through marriage. A great blessing was bestowed upon him when he became Papaw to Zachary, Katie, Mason and Andrew Heideman.
Bill loved his Lord and Savior and was baptized at an early age. He was an ordained deacon of the Baptist church. Bill served his Lord in many positions; he was a BTU director and taught Junior Boys. While serving in Rosenberg was a preschool teacher, greeter and bus driver bringing community children to church. Bill and Lenette helped establish a Mission Church in West Houston. They later joined FBC Richmond to make it their home church, where he was active in the Adult Bible Study under Terry Hugo.
During his years of owning the auto parts store, he continued his work with the people of Richmond Rosenberg, making many lasting friendships. Bill and Lenette were able to earn many trips all around the US and Caribbean. After retirement, Bill and Lenette loved traveling to do antique and Depression Glass Shows. They were active members of the Houston Glass Club and avid collectors of glass of the Depression Era.
Bill was an avid sports fan. In the early years, Bill was a member of the Alice Coyotes Quarterback Club, following the team to many playoff games in the 60’s. In moving to Fort Bend County he became active in the LCISD Football Booster clubs, holding President and other numerous offices. You could say he was married to Friday night high school football. His love for sports included the Astros, Oilers, Rockets and Texans.
Bill was also involved with civic organizations, Rose-Rich Rotary Club, Rosenberg Little League and the 100 Club of Fort Bend, holding many leadership positions in these organizations. Bill loved to help his fellow officers and many nights was called by one to open his store to get a part to help someone passing through the area, who had broke down. He loved to be needed. He got his ECA certificate and helped the FBC Ambulance department mainly driving the ambulance but assisted when needed. Bill most recently volunteered his Wednesdays with Helping Hands in Richmond.
Bill was preceded in death by his father, mother, brother, Gilbert Theodore Heideman, Gilbert’s wife, Gloria Boyd Heideman and brother-in-law Teddy Kenneth Stitzlein. He is survived by his wife, Lenette Nelson Heideman, two sons Randall and Timothy Heideman, their wives and 4 grandchildren. He also is survived by his sister-in-laws, Linda Heideman and Mary Jean Nelson Stitzlein. He was blessed to have many nieces and nephews; Gary and wife Lori Heideman, D’anna and the late David Eggers, Laura and husband Troy Gaspard, David Stitzlein, Cheryl and husband Doug Graves, as well as numerous grand nieces and nephews and many first cousins.
Many thanks go out to Methodist Hospital ICU and Neurology SL, West Houston Rehabilitation and Healthcare, Cambridge Health and Rehabilitation and A*Med Hospice for the show of kindness and support during this time.
Memorials may be made to FBC Richmond Benevolent Fund, Helping Hands, your Local Football Booster Club, Depression Glass Museum or an organization of your choosing in Bill’s memory.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of William Carroll Heideman, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.