Submitted by Sharon McNary

per Rader FH

David E. "Eddie" Hiett, 85, passed away from this life on Friday, February
13, 2009 at Whispering Pines Lodge in Longview.

Eddie was born November 5, 1923 in Harrison County, graduated from Judson Grove High School in 1942 and retired from Texas Eastman Kodak in January of1985 after 35 years of service.

A decorated World War II Veteran, he served in Europe from 1943-1945 as a combat engineer. Wounded on Omaha Beach in Normandy, France in June 1944, he re-joined the 17th Armored Engineers of the 2nd Armored Division and was awarded a Bronze Star, a Purple Heart, and 5 major battle stars. Eddie was an avid fisherman and known as a man ready to help anyone. He proved himself inventive, self-reliant and resourceful. If there was a better way to do something, he would find it. He was a member of First Christian Church and did volunteer work for Meals on Wheels and Salvation Army Stew Pot for Longview Ministries.

He was preceded in death by his parents, David E. and Willie Hiett; 2 brothers and 3 sisters.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Lucille; 2 sons, David Hiett and his wife Tina of Longview, and Mark Hiett of Rowlett; grandson Brian Hiett and wife Blair of Houston; granddaughter Erin Greenlee and husband Matt of Austin; 2 great granddaughters, Nancy Jean Hiett and Ellie Greenlee; 2 sisters, Dimple Lester of Longview and Odie Smith of Allen; and several 
nieces and nephews.

Services will be held at 10 AM Monday, February 16, 2009 in the Chapel of Rader Funeral Home of Longview with Reverend David Farmer officiating.

Burial will follow in Memory Park Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 4-6 PM Sunday afternoon at the Funeral Home.