Richard E. Heist, 75, of Walnutport, formerly of Allentown, died March 13, 2018, in Lehigh Valley Hospital, Muhlenberg, Bethlehem, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease and complications of the flu.

Born June 29, 1942, he was the son of the late Elmer and Louise (Berreth) Heist, and the husband of Kathleen L. (Fries) Heist for 53 years.

He attended Allentown High School and graduated from Lehigh County Community College.

Employed by Western Electric, AT&T and Lucent Technologies, he retired in 1990.

After retiring, he was the owner of Rich’s Racing and Hobbies, Tannersville and Northampton.

He was past president of the Allentown Chapter of the Telephone Pioneers, responsible for bringing the Hug-A-Bear Program to the Lehigh Valley.

He will fondly be remembered as Mr. Shmoo the Clown with the Keystone Pioneers.

He was honorably discharged from the Army, and the Pennsylvania Army National Guard, during the Vietnam era, with active duty stateside in the service artillery.

He had many hobbies including, bowling, woodworking, model railroading, and vacationing on Long Beach Island, N.J.

He loved to spend time with his grandchildren and was an avid fan of Philadelphia sports, including the Eagles and Phillies.

He was a member and former deacon of Zion’s Stone United Church of Christ, Kreidersville.

In addition to his wife. he is survived by daughter, Karen, wife of Gary Hammer; son David and wife, Susan; grandchildren Allison, Kylee, Eric and Brandon; sisters Sharon (Gary) Hothan, Brenda Peterson and Cynthia McCormick; brothers Donald (Georgene), Brian (Wendy); seven nieces; and 11 nephews.

Condolences may be made at schislerfuneralhomes.com.

Contributions may be made to Lehigh Valley Hospice, 2166 S. 12th St., Allentown, PA 18103.

Arrangements were made by Schisler Funeral Home, Northampton.