Wesley Gene Heinsma, age 65, son of Dewey and Dora (Westra) Heinsma, was born Nov. 13, 1943, in Artesia, Calif. He passed away Saturday, Oct. 24, 2009, at Texas County Memorial Hospital, Houston, Mo.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Glenda (McKee) Heinsma; one brother, Carl; and his mother-in-law, Carolyn Shepard.
Wes is survived by his son, Wesley of Collville, Wash.; four daughters, Cathy Goormastic of Las Vegas, Nev., Gina Kneeland of Orting, Wash., Diane Riker of Wash., and Heather Huff of Houston, Mo.; and 11 grandchildren, Shanley, Taylir, Payten and Riley Heinsma, William and Nancy Goormastic, Cheyenne Kneeland, Eddie and Molly Riker and Colten and Janae Huff.
Wes grew up in California. He served in the United States Army as an infantryman from 1964 until 1967 and served in Vietnam from 1966 until 1967. He was honorably discharged March 2, 1967. He received a purple heart and many other service medals.
He married Glenda McKee on Sept. 14, 1968, in Norwalk, Calif.
Wes enjoyed playing bingo and going to casinos. He also enjoyed being around his friends and family. Wes never missed any activities that his grandkids, Colten and Janae, were involved in. He was a proud grandpa and a good father. Wes will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
Visitation is 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 29, at Evans Funeral Home Chapel. Cremation will follow with a memorial service to be held at a later date in Washington. Services are under the direction of Evans Funeral Home.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.evansfh.com.