Earl Baker Heisey

Earl Baker Heisey, 87, of Anacortes, Wash. died peacefully at Island Hospital on February 19, 2025. Born at home on February 16,1938 in Round Top, Pennsylvania, Earl was the son of David C. and J. “Mae” Baker Heisey. He graduated from Hershey High School in 1956, where he excelled at track and basketball—his schoolmates nicknamed him “Possum” for the extra seconds he spent hanging on the basketball hoop after a dunk.

Earl enlisted in the United States Air Force and this self-described “country boy” soon found himself stationed at Dreux Air Base in France, where he met and married his first wife Cathy with whom he raised four children. After serving 24 years, Earl retired from the military and settled in Washington state and soon began a second career as a U.S.P.S carrier in Anacortes. This second career suited Earl well; he enjoyed the physical activity of the job and engaging with customers on his route. He also had a very uncanny memory; whenever Earl met someone new during his off hours, he would repeat their name after the introduction and then almost immediately recall their street address!

After losing his first wife to cancer, Earl married Sharon Dashner and gained two adult stepdaughters. Together they cared for and enjoyed their many grandchildren, near and far. In his final years, Earl appreciated the devotion of great granddaughter Zachara, who resides in the family home.

Throughout his life, Earl participated in many activities including fast pitch softball, basketball, fishing, gardening, golf and poker. He was a regular at the Anacortes aquatic center and had earned a Presidential Fitness Award. After his second retirement from the post office, Earl volunteered for Meals on Wheels, where he relished visiting with “customers” on his route. Earl loved poker night with his buddies and playing golf/marshalling at the Similk Golf Course in Anacortes, both of which he enjoyed well into his 80’s.

Earl was extremely gregarious; he had the ability to strike up a conversation with anyone, anytime, anywhere. He liked to laugh and had many stories to tell—escapades with his brothers and sisters in rural Pennsylvania (including being farmed out by his father at age 12), his experiences as a Vietnam veteran, the time the 10-pound family dog named “Snooky” brought down “King,” the neighbor’s German Shepherd, or the time he danced for President Eisenhower in high school. The list goes on and on.

Earl is survived by brother Carl B. Heisey of Hickory Corner, Penn., his wife of nearly 40 years, Sharon Heisey, and his daughters: Jasmine Loberg (Marty) and her sons Justin and Tyler; Geraldine “Sissi” Howard (Robert) and her children, Tiffany, Tessica, and David; Lisa Heisey (Jeff Moller) and daughter Zoe; and step daughters Kara Sullivan and Sherri Hoffman, along with many grandchildren and nieces and nephews.

Earl was preceded in death by his first wife Marie Madeleine “Cathy,” son William Christopher, his sisters Kathryn Nicholas, Helen Landis, Betty Baum, and brothers Harry, Dave, and John, as well as grandchildren Tallisa and Daniel Avila.

Cremation was arranged by the NeptuneSociety.com, where condolence notes or photos can be posted. The family plans a gathering later this year. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to your local Meals on Wheels organization or New Hope Christian Fellowship in Anacortes, Wash.