Donald Lee Hearder

Donald Lee Hearder, 67, of La Junta, passed away on Tuesday, March 1, 2011 at St. Mary Corwin Hospital in Pueblo. 
    Donald was born to Ivan L. & Zita L. (McCray) Thomas on June 10, 1943 in Denver, Colorado.
    Donald served in the US Navy and was a Vietnam Veteran. Donald was known throughout the town as the “snake man” he would walk around town with a snake around his neck.
    He is survived by his three children, Donald Philip Thomas, Sheila Ann Thomas, and Dana Lee Thomas; brother, Richard A. (Tracy) Hearder; nephew, Richard P. Hearder all of Gypsum, CO; six half bothers and sister of Washington State. 
    Donald was preceded in death by his parents, Ivan & Zita Thomas; brother, Philip Luverne Petersen. 
    Memorial service will be Sunday, March 13, 2011, at 2:00 p.m., at Peacock Memorial Chapel with Reverend Ron Skorick of the First Christian Church officiating. Military honors will be performed by the Rocky Ford Rifle Team, American Legion Post #8.