Edward Burnheart Hearn Jr.

Hearn Jr., Edward “Ed” Burnheart, peacefully completed his mortal journey on Dec. 18, 2015 surrounded by members of his loving family in Dayton, Ohio. His adventure began on Feb. 11, 1926 in Little Rock, Arkansas. A short while later Ed joined step-siblings Helen May and Harold when Edward Sr. married Maude Kennedy. Ed and “Hal” became inseparable to the point that when Hal enlisted in the Navy after the attack on Pearl Harbor, 16-year-old Ed tried but was denied a chance to fight for his country. That opportunity came four days after his seventeenth birthday when Ed began a long career with the United States Marine Corps. He spent his early years in the Corps cruising the South Pacific with his buddies in the famed 4th Marine Division as guests of the United States Navy. The son of Arkansas disembarked on such exotic island locales as Roi-Namur, Saipan, Tinian and Iwo Jima, where he was forced to make a less than leisurely swim ashore. Later, in 1952, President Truman sent him on a winter and spring tour of the Korean Peninsula.

In between all the excitement, Ed married the love of his life for more than 50 years, Charliene. Together they completed their life’s work, raising seven curious, and engaged life-long learners. Both avid readers they passed that habit onto their children. Charliene gave them a passion for education and Ed instilled in them a belief in rewards of hard work. That paid dividends when two sons followed Ed into the Marine Corps and a family tally of two, and soon to be three, Doctoral degrees, and a Juris Doctor.

Gunnery Sgt. Hearn ended his active duty career in 1964. He had seen enough war and violence and came to believe the planet had too. The Marine Corps always had a special place in Ed’s heart. He participated in momentous events that shaped the course of history, and that should certainly be noted in this remembrance. But his life should not be celebrated for what he did, but should be celebrated for who he was. Ed was a gentle and peaceful man (unless you upset

Charliene). He was a devoted husband who deeply loved his wife. He was a caring and loving father and a kind and gentle grandfather who left those that loved him with many warm and wonderful memories. He delighted in treasure hunting with his metal detectors, playing blackjack with his kids and grandkids and hooking up the tent trailer to take his family on memorable road trips all across this beautiful nation that he served so faithfully and well. He loved his country and he loved the San Francisco 49ers and of course, his Arkansas Razorbacks.

Ed is survived by his step-brother Hal of Venice, FL., his seven children; Shawn Cassiman of Dayton, Shannon of Bowie, TX., Bianca (Jerry) Coker of Coppell, TX., Beau of Bowie, TX., Keicia (Jon) Manecke of Louisville, KY., Kellie (Kelly) Taylor of Emmett, ID. and Mike (Ashley) of Gastonia, N.C; 14 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. He is welcomed into eternity by Charliene, his father and step-mother, his step-sister and his beloved granddaughter Cristina. Visitation is from 10-11 am. Followed by services at 11am on Dec. 28 at the First Baptist Church at 111 W. Monument in Dayton. Burial at 1pm in the Dayton National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers please send donations to arvets.org. Arrangements handled by Westbrock Funeral Home, Wayne Ave. Semper Fi!