Francis A. Heiman of Claremore died Tuesday, October 29 at Oxford Springs Assisted Living Tulsa after a debilitating fall in May. He was 92.

Born February 2, 1932 to William and Nora Heiman of Bridgewater, South Dakota, Fran served in the Air Force as an aircraft mechanic from 1952-56 during the Korean War, at Sheppard AFB, Texas and Ramey AFB, Puerto Rico.

Fran met his wife Ruth in Buhl, Idaho, where they married in 1957. Francis and Ruth lived in Tulsa for several years, where he attended Spartan School of Aeronautics, and then in California, where their three children were born. They returned to Oklahoma in 1974 and made their home in Claremore.

Fran spent 34 years of his work life at American Airlines, beginning as an airplane mechanic/welder and retiring in 1994 as a damage prevention inspector, and, as he told his friends, "helping run the airline." He capped his career with an "Employee of the Year" award in 1993. In retirement, he spent time with his family, built his dream workshop, and helped friends and neighbors with mechanical repairs large and small.

Faith was at the center of Fran's life, and he was a life-long member of the Lutheran church, serving in many roles including elder, teacher, and choir member.

Fran was preceded in death by Ruth, his wife of 62 years, his brother Martin Heiman and sister Patricia Thompson. He is survived by his three children: Kathy Rosamond of Victoria, Minnesota, Dave Heiman of Tulsa, and Mark Heiman of Northfield, Minnesota. He has seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Services honoring and remembering Fran will be held Monday, November 11 at 10:00am at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Claremore, Oklahoma. Visitation will be held from 5:00 - 7:00pm, Sunday, November 10 at Rice Funeral Service in Claremore. He will be laid to rest with his wife at Oakhaven Memorial Garden in Claremore. Memorials may be made to Redeemer Lutheran Church, Claremore.