Dennis M. Heap

Dennis Marshall Heap of Junction, Texas, passed away at 78 years of age on January 19, 2023, at his residence on the Open J Ranch. Born on May 19, 1944, in Waco, Texas, to Gordon Marshall Heap and Marguerite King Heap, Dennis spent his early childhood in Junction with his mother and grandparents after losing his father in action during World War II in August 1944. Dennis moved to Telegraph, Texas, following the marriage of his mother, Marguerite, to Coke R. Stevenson on January 16, 1954. Dennis’ sister, Jane, was welcomed into the fold in 1956.

Growing up in the country, Dennis was an outdoorsman who enjoyed wildlife, hunting, and advocating for predator control; fishing, swimming, and camping along the banks of the South Llano River provided an unrivaled solace. Dennis proved himself highly intelligent while a student at Junction Independent School District. Becoming notorious during his teen years for his love of fast cars, folks would ensure that their children and pets were clear of the streets upon hearing his engine rev!

Dennis married Kandy Phillips on January 20, 1968, and they were blessed with raising four children - Robin, Marshall, Holli, and Kelli. The family moved from Junction to Telegraph in 1974, where the children followed in Dennis’ footsteps in loving the country life. There was much to learn from him as he was very knowledgeable about all things relating to the land and the potential of its offerings in return for good stewardship.

Dennis discovered a new talent in masonry after working alongside a rock mason during the building of the Heap House at Telegraph. Later partnering with his good friend Charlie Simon, the two became the rock-layers everyone wanted to hire for masonry work; multiple homes in Kimble County and the surrounding area still bear witness to their teamwork. Dennis married Jayne Johnson on September 20, 1999, immediately equipping her with a full family of children and grandchildren.

Dennis added “wine maker” to his resume after replacing his vegetable garden with a vineyard. He was a rancher for over 50 years and cleared cedar through the operation of heavy equipment. Among his hobbies of reading and crossword puzzles, his fondness for board games and card games was shared with his children. Always interested in history, he spent many hours excavating Native American artifacts alongside his son, Marshall, and friends.

Those remembering Dennis’ love and sense of humor are his wife, Jayne Johnson Heap of Junction; his four children, Robin Heap Jetton (Sam), Dennis Marshall Heap II (Lisa), Holli Heap (JP), all of Junction, and Kelli Heap Kirk (Kyle) of Midland; his eleven grandchildren, Shannon Jetton of New Braunfels, Michael Jetton of Junction, Kristin Kothmann Towfighi (Afshawn) of Virginia, Andrew Heap (Sydney) of Junction, Katelynn Heap Brewer (Colton) of Burnet, Leacy Heap, Erin Bynum Martinez (Alonzo), Kole Kirk, Kori Kirk, Kyler Kirk, all of San Angelo, and Kase Kirk of Midland; his four great grandchildren, Annelin Towfighi of Virginia, Esperanza Martinez of San Angelo, Charlotte Boone and Chase Brewer, both of Burnet; his sister, Jane Stevenson Chandler (Fred) of Ozona; his nephew, Andrew Murr (Amanda) and children of Junction; and his niece, Rachel Murr Bean (Ryan) and children of Ozona.

Donations may be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation in lieu of flowers.

MEMORIAL SERVICES HAVE BEEN RESCHEDULED FOR 2:00 PM, SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2023 AT KIMBLE FUNERAL HOME WITH REV. SAM HUNNICUTT OFFICIATING.

Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of the professionals at Kimble Funeral Home. (325) 446-3076