Donald E. Heilner, 88, died March 23, 2013 in Greeley, Colorado. He was born February 8th, 1925 in Westchester County New York to Phyllis & Albert Heilner. Donald served in WWII in the US Army, European Theater until 1945. He was honorably discharged with an EAME Campaign Medal with 2 Bronze Stars, a good conduct medal, an American Theater Campaign Medal and a WWII Victory Medal. In 1950 he graduated from Southern Methodist University with a geology degree. In 1961 he married Gwen Hanna in Dallas, Texas; they were married until her death in 1999. He worked as a geologist and geophysicist in Brazil, Iran, Lebanon, Peru and Ecuador before settling in Houston Texas. He retired after 35 years in oil exploration in South America and the Middle East. Don was a 60 year plus member of the American Association of Petroleum Geologists and the Society of Exploration Geophysicists. In Houston, he was a member of Tallowood Baptist Church where he served as the coordinator of the Career Assistance Program. In November of 2001, he moved to The Bridge Assisted Living in Greeley, CO. He enjoyed weekly bible study, exercise classes and social activities, as well as visiting with the staff and residents at The Bridge. He passed away peacefully in his sleep at the Life Care Center of Greeley. His family would like to thank the staff and residents of The Bridge, Life Care Center and Hospice of Northern Colorado, as well as Uncle Don's special friends, for their love and care of him. He cared deeply for his family, as well as his extended family and friends, and will be missed. His pets were very important in his life. His cat, Blue was his companion for 14 years. Don is preceded in death by his parents and his wife Gwen. He is survived by his brother-in-law, Bevis Hanna Jr., his nephew, Brad Hanna and his niece, Kris Pierce and family, all of Greeley. He is also survived by a cousin, Martha Werthheimer of Dallas, Texas. A memorial service will be held this Saturday, March 30th at the Bridge Assisted Living, 4750 25th St. in Greeley. Inurnment will be on April 7th at Englewood Cemetery, Slaton, TX. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Hospice of Northern Colorado, Rocky Mountain Siamese Rescue or the charity of your choice.