William Jerry Jacob Heirtzler, 86, “Jerry”, born July 25, 1929, was a lifelong resident of Ethel, LA. He died on Friday, July 22, 2016 at his home. He was a retired rural letter carrier from the U.S. Postal Service, where he worked for 31 years and a retired cattle farmer. He received his B.S. in Agriculture from Louisiana State University in 1951. Visitation will be at Charlet Funeral Home, Inc. in Clinton, LA on Sunday, July 24, 2016 from 5pm until 8pm. There will be no services on Monday. Visitation will continue on Tuesday, July 26, 2016 at Charlet Funeral Home, Inc. in Clinton from 9am until funeral services at 11am, conducted by Rev. Alvin Hall. Graveside services will be at 1pm at Evergreen Cemetery in Woodville, MS, conducted by Rev. L Chris Curry. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Mrs. Mildred Anderson Heirtzler; two daughters: Dr. Elizabeth Heirtzler of Zachary, LA ;and Mrs. Patricia Lynne Patterson and her husband Mr. Michael W. Patterson of Baton Rouge; one sister, Mrs. Lora Heirtzler Callicott of Central; one grandson, Mr. Christopher Michael Patterson and wife Emily; two great-grandchildren Sarah Jones and Anne Jones of Zachary. He was preceded in death by his infant daughter, Jerri Anne Heirtzler; one brother, Dr. Clarence “Snookie” R. Heirtzler; one sister, Mrs. Mattie Ziegler; and parents Mr. Clarence and Mrs. Mattie Heirtzler. Pallbearers will be Mr. Michael Patterson, Mr. Christopher Patterson, Mr. Ronnie Anderson, Mr. Charles Mayeux, Mr. Bevan Callicott, Mr. Jimmy Heirtzler, Mr. Jeremiah Sweden, Mr. Ray Williams, Mr. John Whitener, and Dr. Knight Phares Roddy. Honorary pallbearers will be Dr. George Edwards, Mr. George Whitener, and Judge William F. Klein. He was a veteran of the US Army and served in Korea. He received the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, and the Good Conduct medal. He attended the Counter Intelligence Corps School Specialist Course and received a certificate of achievement. He was a lifelong member of the Ethel Baptist Church and a member of the Rural Letter Carriers Association. He was a dedicated husband and father. Special thanks is extended by the family to our faithful caregivers Rosemary Hill, Gail and Virginia Johnson as well as The Hospice of Baton Rouge team members, Paulette Redmond, R.N., Chaplain Denise Domingue, Ximaena Ryan, LSCW, and Barbara Breton. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Alzheimer’s Services of the Capital Area or to the Hospice of Baton Rouge.

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