Elmer Francis Heiman, 86, of Baileyville, Kansas, died Wednesday, February 13, 2008 at Country Place Senior Living in Seneca.

Elmer was born on April 20, 1921 at Baileyville, the son of Joseph and Frances Bergman Heiman. He was in the first graduating class of Baileyville High School in 1939. After graduation, Elmer went to work for Baileyville State Bank as a bookkeeper.

In July of 1942, he was drafted into the U.S. Army, obtaining his military training at MD Clerk School in Robinson, AR. While in the Army he served with the 36th “Texas” Division, 111th Medical Battalion in numerous battles and campaigns across Northern Africa and Southern Europe, earning the Distinguished Unit Badge, the Soldier’s Medal, a Bronze Star, the Bronze Service Arrowhead, and the Good Conduct Medal. He was honorably discharged in October of 1945 with the rank of Technician Fourth Grade, Personnel NCO.

On November 27, 1945, he married Aurelia Macke at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Baileyville, where they were both lifetime members. They were blessed with 62 years of marriage. She survives of the home.

After the war Elmer returned to Baileyville and went back to work at the Baileyville State Bank. He was elected bank president in 1970, holding that position until 2003. He remained involved with the bank, continuing to serve as Chairman of the Board until his death. Elmer also owned and operated E.F. Heiman Insurance, and was a lifetime insurance agent.

He was a member of Sacred Heart Church in Baileyville, the Knights of Columbus Council 1769, the American Legion Post 21, the Veterans of Foreign War Post #7458, the Community Bankers Association, and the Kansas Bankers Association, where he served as Regional Representative. Elmer was also past Director of the Nemaha Valley Community Hospital Board, and a past Sacred Heart Church Council member.

Elmer faithfully placed flags at veterans’ graves in Baileyville cemeteries for over 50 years. He enjoyed traveling, playing golf, watching football and basketball, and gardening. He was especially fond of tending roses.

Survivors besides his wife Aurelia are his three children, Marilyn and husband Paul Boeding of Seneca, Lynn and wife Connie Heiman of Seneca, and Judi and husband Rob Stork of Topeka; two brothers, Vern Heiman of Sun Lakes, Arizona and Galen Heiman of Kansas City, Missouri, six grandchildren, Brian (and wife Julie) Boeding, Sara, Jennifer and Jeff Heiman, and Erin and Abby Stork; and three great grandchildren, Andrew, Megan, and Lily Boeding.

He was preceded in death by siblings, Amanda Haverkamp, Joseph Heiman, and Leonard Heiman.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 AM Monday, February 18, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Baileyville. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Rosaries will be prayed at 2 & 7 PM Sunday at Lauer Funeral Home in Seneca.

Memorials can be given for Sacred Heart Church or Nemaha Valley Community Hospital, and sent in care of the family.