Funeral services for James Cleveland Heard, 97, of Marshall, TX, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, January 24, 2015, in the Chapel of Downs Funeral Home with Rev. Ed Robb III and Rev. Rodger Garbs officiating. Interment will follow in Algoma North Cemetery. A time of visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 p.m., Friday, January 23, 2015, at Downs Funeral Home. James Cleveland Heard passed away in Marshall on Wednesday, January 21, 2015. Mr. Heard was born August 8, 1917, in Tatum, TX, to W.D. Heard and Opha Nelson Heard. He married Elsie M. Bunch Heard on June 25, 1939, in Marshall at Summit United Methodist Church. He and his wife and son were co-owners of Heard Furniture Co., Heard Auto Sales and United Finance Service. He was a Gideon for many years. He was a Past President of the Southwest Home Furnishings Association. Mr. Heard served on the Marshall City Commission for 4 years, was a former Jaycee and recipient of the Richard Blalock Trophy. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II in the European Theater. He received the Purple Heart in the Anzio Beach Invasion. Mr. Heard was a Past President and lifetime member of the Marshall Noon Lions Club. He was active in the Lions Looney Show. He along with Mr. Gerald Smith helped organize the first Lions Club Charity Horse Show. He was a member of the East Texas Walking Horse Association. Mr. Heard was a member of the First United Methodist Church. He attended Pairs and Spares Sunday School Class. He was a delegate to the Texas Methodist Church Conference from the local and district for 30 years. He was active in the Methodist Men Organization. He, along with Mr. Ed Brasch, helped organize the first City Wide Methodist Men. He served on the board of the Ed Robb Evangelistic Association. Mr. Heard is survived by 1 son, David and wife Patricia; 3 granddaughters, Angela Abel and husband Patrick, Andrea Heard and Trisha McAlister and husband Michael; 6 grandchildren, Ryan, Riley and Rachel Abel, Christian and Kenedy Spivey and Braylee McAlister; 1 brother, Delmer Heard; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Elsie; his parents; sisters, Effie Lee Heard, Beulah Callaway, Elsie Rio; and brothers, Allen, Ray, Clifton and Gerrel Heard. Heartfelt thanks to the loving caregivers at Marshall Manor West and Marshall Hospice. Honorary pallbearers will be the Marshall Gideons and his many lifetime friends, including his special friends at the Whataburger. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to the charity of your choice.