Anthony O. "Tony" Heiss, 71, of Fort Smith, Arkansas, passed away on March 9, 2026, at The Blossoms of Fort Smith Rehab and Nursing Center following a battle with cancer. His siblings, living across the country, were able to witness his final moments through instant messaging, a modern touch that would have brought a smile to Tony’s face.
Born on June 16, 1954, in Fort Smith, Tony was the fourteenth and final child of Fred W. and Kathryn Heiss. He grew up in south Fort Smith, attended Christ the King Catholic School, lived briefly in Oklahoma City, and graduated from Van Buren High School in 1972. A veteran of the Vietnam War, he served six years in the U.S. Navy as an electrician aboard the USS Southerland (DD-743) and the USS Midway (CV-41). For most of his working life, he managed U-Store-It storage businesses in Fort Smith.
Tony held a deep fascination with astronomy and stargazing, though his interests were wide-ranging. He was known among family and friends for his steadfast loyalty and his quick, warm smile.
He was predeceased by his parents, Fred W. and Kathryn Heiss, his sister Mary Ann Heiss, and his brothers Bill, Herb, Joe, Chuck, Jim “Bubby,” and Dave Heiss. Tony is survived by his sisters Kay Adams of Fayetteville, Arkansas; Margie Fletcher of Plano, Texas; and Patti Smith of Greenwood, Arkansas; and by his brothers Fred E. Heiss of Hollister, Missouri; Tom Heiss of Brunswick, Maine; and Harry Heiss of Natchez, Mississippi; along with many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
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