After a courageous battle with cancer, Peter ("Pete") Bird Heebner was called home to God on Monday, December 7, surrounded by loved ones at Advent Hospital.  The son of Bob and Betty Heebner, Pete was born on April 12, 1944, in Coronado, California. Following the war, his father, a combat decorated veteran of WWII and mother moved the family back to Deland where they had originally met at Stetson University.  As his family and friends all know, Pete lived his life to the fullest, bringing joy and happiness to everyone he knew.

Pete served his country with great honor, and had a distinguished military tour of duty in the US Army from December 1967 to October 1970 during Vietnam and was awarded two-Bronze stars for Valor on the battlefield with two oak leaf clusters and Air Medal for Valor with one oak leaf cluster.

He was a dedicated and loyal Florida State Seminole fan - having finished his J.D. degree from Florida State University in 1973 after completing his undergraduate degree at Stetson in 1966.

Pete was one of the most incredible attorneys ever to practice law in our area – practicing law for 54 years and as a Senior Partner at Heebner, Baggett Law Firm since 1985.  The legal community greatly respected Pete as a tough as nails attorney with incredible wisdom and insight, and his clients loved him.

Pete was a pillar in our community, voluntarily serving as President, Chairman or other leadership roles for more than 40 key business and civic organizations in Volusia County including Chairman of the Board of the Stewart Marchman Foundation, Chairman of the Board of Tomoka State Bank, President of the Board of Directors of Daytona Beach Community College Foundation, Chairman of the Civic League of the Halifax Area, President of the Daytona Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, President of Oceanside Country Club,  the Board of Governors of the Red Cross and the United Way.

St. James Episcopal Church, Bible Study and his faith were important aspects of his life. He especially loved to travel with Nan and often enjoyed trips and cruises with other couples.  He looked forward to spending time with his two grandsons, whom he loved dearly.

Pete was a world class fisherman, and enjoyed throwing his line off of our coast going deep sea fishing.  He loved playing golf in North Carolina, hunting pheasant in South Dakota with his buddies and traveling the world catching the elusive bonefish were highlights of his life. His friends could not keep up with his energy and zest for adventure.

Pete leaves behind the love of his life, Nan Heebner, of Ormond Beach, FL, sister, Pamela (Bruce), son, David (Lacy), daughter, Kendall (Trevor), and two grandchildren, Connor and Carter.  He was a real friend to all.  He will be missed by his loving family and his adoring friends.  A Celebration of Life will be held later for family and friends.

Arrangements are under the care of Lohman Funeral Home. Condolences for the family may be shared at www.lohmanfuneralhomes.com .