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It is with great sadness the family of Van Addison Heard inform our loved ones he passed away May 22, 2024 at the age of 72, after a long battle with cancer. Van was in comfort with family, fond visits with friends, and had a peaceful soul as he passed in Baton Rouge, LA. Van was born on December 15, 1951 to parents Meredith George Heard and Virginia Lou Kiper Heard in Baton Rouge, LA. Van graduated from Tara High School and went on to complete a college undergraduate degree at Louisiana Tech University as well as a law degree at Southern University. Once Van received his law degree, he went on to practice private law then advanced as an Assistant Attorney General for the State of Louisiana, from which he retired, serving the Capital City overall for more than 30 years. Throughout Van’s life, he always made time for family, friends, hunting, fishing, motorcycles, his Christian Bible study group, and LSU sports. For those that knew him, Van was a skilled outdoorsman, athlete, and toastmaster. Even though Van became involved in many clubs, hobbies, and volunteered cooking jambalaya for an assortment of organizations, he insured his children Matthew, Amanda, and Chris knew the value of hard work, personal hobbies, and family. Van was preceded to heaven by his parents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and best friend. He is survived by his spouse Sherrie Heard, mother of his step-son, as well as his former wife, and the mother of his children, Mary Ballew. Van’s legacy includes his son, Matthew Heard and his wife, Amber - their sons, Ian and Sawyer Liles, and William Heard. Van’s daughter, Amanda Heard Douglas and her husband Joey, as well as their sons’ Cullen and Cayden. And lastly his step-son Christopher Brantley and his fiancee Anna, her sons Aiden and Cannon as well as their son Carson Brantley. Van is further survived by his brother George Heard and his wife Suzi, Fred Heard and his wife Corinne, as well as his sister Ginnifer Heard. The impact Van has made on so many family and friends will carry on through his loved ones and will be cherished by so many. A memorial service will be held for Van at Greenoaks Funeral Home (9595 Florida Blvd, Baton Rouge, LA 70815) June 1, 2024 at 2 p.m. to remember, share, and celebrate his life and legacy. Further details to follow regarding post-service arrangements.

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Van Addison Heard

December 15, 1951 - May 22, 2024