Charles Edward Heyward

Charles “Chuck” Edward Heyward born Richard David Butler to Juanita Faye Butler (Bradley) in Chicago, Illinois March 19,1933. Chuck was adopted by Walter Westlake Heyward and Augusta “Gussie” Bleich Heyward from the Chicago Foundling Home and grew up in Elmwood Park, Illinois. Chuck is predeceased by his spouse, Arlene Elizabeth Albrecht Heyward, father, Walter Heyward; mother Augusta “Gussie”, biological mother, Juanita Bradley, and brother, David W. Bradley. Chuck is survived by his sister, Ellen Heyward Kaloustian (Edward – deceased), brother Daniel A. Bradley (Florence), daughter Julie Ann Heyward (R. Darrell Mounts deceased), son Richard (Whitney) David Heyward, grand daughters Alexandra and Addison Heyward, nieces Pamela Kaloustian, Gail (Ronald) Kaloustian Herff, Janet (Gary) Kaloustian Aleksiak, Jody Broud Benson and nephews Jeffery (Lesley), Gregory (Jana) Kaloustian, and Todd (Renee) Broud as well as many great nieces, nephews and friends around the world.

Chuck was a survivor; he made it through childhood asthma which resolved in later adulthood, a quadruple bypass, numerous bouts with pneumonia, sepsis, a brown recluse spider bite, and not just one but two cases of COVID 19. Chuck even survived two separate encounters with tornadoes. At the end of December 2023, Chuck made the decision to go into hospice care. The day he passed he told his children he was ready to go and held their hands till the very end. His physical heart gave up but he will always remain in our metaphorical hearts.

As a child, Chuck was an avid gardener and snow shoveler, spotted pins at local bowling alley, and was the number one Caddy at Oak Park Country Club. Chuck earned more income at these jobs than some parents did. Pre-high school worked night shifts at Chicago Bakery and summer jobs at moving company. Chuck was a train enthusiast all of his life and would buy and sell trains to other collectors. Chuck played football and track for Proviso High School, Maywood Illinois 1947-1951. The Buccaneers football team ranked number one in the State in 1950. Chuck was offered three football scholarships and attended University of Louisville for 1 year then transferred to Beloit College in Wisconsin; his asthma condition did not allow him to play in the southern climate. Chuck graduated from Beloit College in 1955 with a BA; Majors in Economics and Biology; he also was a member and president of Phi Kappa Psi fraternity. Chuck’s first residence and job at Beloit was at a Funeral Home, His sister Ellen remembers taking her on a tour of the embalming room. Chuck also received an MBA from University of Chicago in1959. Chuck met Arlene Albrecht at Beloit in 1952; they connected right away and were happily married for 62 years. They lived in Elmwood Park and Oak Park, and then welcomed their children in their first home in Park Ridge, Illinois. Chuck worked 42 years for 6 corporations – Teletype Corporation/AT&T, Parker Hannifin, Oak Industries, TRW Inc, Cherry Corporation and ONEAC. Chuck and his work took his family to Kowloon, Hong Kong for a year and Luton, England for 6 years. The last 6 years of his career, Chuck was managing director of ONEAC in Oxford, England.

Post retirement, Chuck and Arlene made annual trips to Oxford, England to purchase pieces for their business “Heyward Antiques”. Sadly, Arlene passed away November 6, 2017 and left family and friends with tears and smiles behind. Chuck led a very active athletic life, was a runner, tennis player and founding member of the Tennis Bums in Lincolnshire Illinois. He also encouraged his daughter Julie and son Rick from a very early age to participate in all things athletic and also passed on his love of horror/sci fi and music.

Chuck (as well as his wife Arlene) put volunteer work as a priority in their lives. Chuck served as Chairman of the Board for the American Heart Association of Lake County for 10 years and founded the annual marathon; Chuck served on the board of the Chicago Chapter as well. He was also President of the United Way service for 10 years and served on the board and also as President of Church Council Holy Spirit Church. Chuck also served on 3 other community organizations. Chuck was also the first and only Dad to serve as President of the DePauw University Tri Delta Mothers Club. Arlene and Chuck will be resting in Number 22 at Holy Spirit Church’s Columbarium; they were both part of the Team that instigated and founded their final resting place. Chuck created, landscaped, and maintained the surrounding gardens for many years.

Chuck led the National Prayer Breakfast at Naval Training Center, Great Lakes, IL on 9 February 1984 and shared his 13 lessons in life with a large crowd.

A celebration of life will take place at Holy Spirit Lutheran Church, Lincolnshire, IL on June 8, 2024.

Click here to RSVP for the Froggy’s Lunch

In lieu of flowers or gifts, contributions can be made to:

Lutheran Church of the Holy Spirit

American Heart Association – Chicago