L. Richard Heward, our dear husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, was called home June 30, 2021, after a hard-fought battle he called “life”. Throughout his life, he had experiences that brought him close to death’s door. But now, he has been relieved of his pain and has finally been made free. We mourn our loss, but celebrate his life and the legacy he leaves behind.
Richard was born on September 29, 1958, to Alma Melvin Heward Sr. and Pauline Lucille Fulcher in Artesia, CA. Growing up, his life was not easy as he had experiences such as being run over by a car, meningitis that almost took his life, a broken home, and the tragic accident that took the life of his father, to name a few. Though he went through all these trials and more, he stayed strong and resilient.
By the age of 18, Richard married Debra Dunn. Together, they had 3 beautiful children: Charity, Benjamin, and Robert. Later, he and Debra divorced. Though complicated aspects of their relationship separated Richard from his three children as they grew up, he loved them and was proud of them.
In 1981 Richard met an angel sent from heaven, and the love of his life, Lyla Jean Eggleston. Their love for each other was unmatched. They were married in 1982 and sealed in the Jordan River Temple in 1983. Together, they raised 4 children: Elizabeth, Jonathan, Julie, and Hyrum. As their children grew, they instilled principles of hard work and honesty in each of them. Richard did all that he could to ensure his children were taken care of and that they could live life independently. Our lives have been richly blessed by his dedication to his family.
Richard was a man of many talents. He was wise and a quick learner. He had many jobs from running a convenient store, working for Pepsi, driving school bus, owning his own towing company, and eventually finding his love of finance and becoming a loan officer and branch manager of Family First Federal Credit Union. As he developed his knowledge and talents, he was always apt to teach and wanted his children and others to know what he knew. Anytime his children helped with a project, Richard could be found teaching and giving instructions so that one day they would be able to do it themselves. Richard also authored a book, “Personal Finance Simplified”, to help teach others how to manage finances. Though he made no monetary profit from this endeavor, he still felt it was worth his time and energy simply because it could help others.
Later in his life, Richard discovered his love for Ham Radio. He had a passion for this hobby and developed deep and lasting relationships through his radio group, the 76ers. We, his family, thank each one of the individuals who became his friend through this radio group. He spoke highly of each of you, loved you, and considered you the best of friends.
Richard had difficult health problems throughout his life. Those who knew him know all that he went through. Many times, he questioned why he was still here and why God had not yet taken him home. Toward the end of his life, Richard found peace in strengthening broken relationships, making amends, and being a light to those around him. We thank our Heavenly Father for allowing Richard time to do all he needed to do before going home.
Richard was not afraid of death. Rather, he considered this step in his existence a graduation. Dad, we want to let you know, that you have graduated with honors.
Richard is preceded in death by his parents, Alma Melvin Heward Sr and Pauline Lucille Hull.
He is survived by his ever loyal and eternal companion, Lyla Jean Eggleston; his children, Charity (Josh) Kerr, Benjamin Heward, Robert Heward, Elizabeth (Andrew) Laughbon, Johnny (Marcy) Heward, Julie (Donovan) Wilbur, and Hyrum (Zoe) Heward; 20 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren; step-father, Glen Hull; sisters, Tambrea (Nixon) John, LourieMae Bloomfield; brother, Melvin (Barbara) Heward; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, July 7th, 2021 at the Spanish Fork East Stake Center, 1158 E. 1240 S. Spanish Fork, UT. Public viewings will be held on Tuesday, July 6th from 6:00-8:00 PM as well as Wednesday at 10:00 AM at the same address.
Friends and family can attend the funeral services virtually via zoom. Please be aware that if you attend virtually, you must be logged into your zoom account. For those who do not have an account, you can click on the link and follow the prompts to create a free account.
Zoom meeting recording link: https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/6vjSlTe40MEf93bRyxqUMh31jYnGHmIH_hX_eLTigmkAa9SP9WwqeVRnHIBwST1Y.qDsuyj6aVNIs87qC
My condolences to the family. After all this time you are blessed with the opportunity to spend time with your dad (my uncle Alma). You have carried the Heward name with honor. Bless you and your family. Till we meet again!
I am a better person for having known Richard and his family. He was a good man that tried to live his best self. I remember him coming to my house to sell me a copy of his finance book. I bought it and still have it on my library shelf. It’s worth reading. The world is a better place because of Richard presence. Condolences to Lyla and the kids.
Richard and Lyla were my primary teachers in the Orem 11th ward. I have great memories of their lessons and spending time with them. I remember he, Mike Forsyth, and I riding in his tow truck one time. We were driving down a street and came upon a boy walking the same direction. Richard said “watch this” and then honked the loud horn in the tow truck. The boy about jumped out of his skin. We all laughed and laughed. I still smile when I think of that. :).
My condolences to the family. I hope you’re all well during this difficult time.
My brother richard has graduated on!
Endured to the end&fought the great fight!
Death can be a friend!
I pray much love&comfort
For lyla who was his loving&
Supportive companion &his children, be with them during this time of loss.
Love, his sister louriemae bloomfield
Our most sincere sympathy to the Lyla and Richard Heward family. Lyla, you and Richard raised some sweet kids and we have enjoyed our association with them. We love your son Johnny in particular as he has been a special addition to our family :) Our hearts go out to each of you at the passing of your Husband and Father. We hope that the good memories you shared will bring a smile to your face at this tender time. Remember, families really are forever!
Uncle Richard,
It was a privilege to know you and learn from you. Several nights of sleep overs telling jokes, playing games, and watching movies have made me a better man.
Thanks for the example you have been.
Love, Your Nephew Chad
I send my love! Every time I had a chance to see Richard, he was always so nice and friendly. I believe he saved our family years ago with his tow truck. I'm grateful he's no longer in pain but I know he'll be greatly missed. Heaven truly gained an amazing angel!
I am so sorry for your loss. Richard was a great man and I appreciated his friendship while we lived near each other in Orem. God bless each of you!
I am very sorry for your loss. To his children Hyrum and his other children. Always remember that you will see him again. His love is always in your heart and memories.