Stephen R. Heidt, 61, of Fairview, Texas, an accomplished businessman, mentor, husband, father and brother, passed away on March 4, 2021.
Born and raised in Erie, Pennsylvania, Steve was a 1980 graduate of the School of Computer Technology in Pittsburgh. He began his business career changing magnetic tapes at an Electronic Data Systems (EDS) data center in Dallas, and over the next 40 years, rose to senior management positions at EDS and its successor companies. Steve was responsible for more than $30 billion in global contract sales and served as President for Global Delivery at EDS, where he led more than 100,000 employees.
As Senior Vice President at HP Enterprise, DXC and Perspecta, Steve was responsible for the companies’ flagship contract with the Department of the Navy that built and maintained the world’s largest secure information services network. Most recently, he oversaw the Next Generation Enterprise Network program at Perspecta that modernized and extended the network.
Steve was known for his straightforward management style, sense of humor, mentorship and generosity. An Eagle Scout himself, he believed strongly in Scouting’s values and the importance of developing youth. He served as Scoutmaster of Troop 358 in Lucas, Texas for ten years and was a member of the board of the Boy Scouts of America’s Circle Ten Council. In 2014, Steve received the Silver Beaver Award, Scouting’s highest award for volunteers.
Steve loved spending time with family and was an avid traveler, fisherman and technology enthusiast. He combined his formidable organizational skills with a love of cooking, creating many memorable feasts for parties at home and gatherings of his large extended family. A few family favorites included his beer-can chicken, white-chicken chili, and his famous country style baby back ribs. He was an avid engineer of elaborate DIY projects, an annual Christmas light extravaganza, and high-speed home networking systems for friends and family alike. Few could surpass his karaoke renditions of Elton John's "Candle in the Wind" and Kenny Roger’s “The Gambler.”
Steve is survived by his wife Pam, sons Andrew and Daniel, daughter Emily (Bryce Norniella), daughter Samantha Knudsen, new granddaughter Everly, sisters Beth Praskwiecz (John) and Cathy Savvas (Savvas), brothers Bill (Sotie), John and Paul (Carrie) and sister-in-law Lenny Heidt. He was preceded in death by his father Robert, mother Audrey and brother Ken.
A “come and go” visitation will be held on Friday, March 12, 2021, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home. Only a limited number of guests will be allowed to enter the funeral home facility at any one time to maintain social distancing.
In support of our local, state, and federal govt including CDC directives and to protect the physical health, safety and well-being of our community, only a limited number of guests will be allowed to attend the Funeral Service.
A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, March 13, 2021, at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home Chapel, 2525 Central Expressway North, Allen, Texas. The service will also be live streamed at TJMfuneral.com on Stephen’s obituary page by clicking on the following link: https://celebrationoflife.tv/blog/stephen-r-heidt. After the service, the recorded live stream will be available for viewing at the same link location.
Following the funeral service, a procession will make its way to Ridgeview Memorial Park for a committal service where all are invited to attend the committal service maintaining social distancing or you may remain in your vehicle. You will be able to listen to the service through speakers set up at the gravesite.