Celebration of life for Richard "Rich" Taylor Heinold, Jr., 31, of Vidalia, LA will be held at Lismore Baptist Church on Thursday, August 22, 2024 at 3PM with Pastor Ken Gilmore officiating. The family will receive friends prior to at the church from 10AM until service time, under the direction of Young's Funeral Home.

Rich was born on Monday, June 14, 1993 in St. Louis, MO and passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 17, 2024 at his home surrounded by loved ones. He is leaving behind a legacy of love, service, and passion for the outdoors. From an early age Rich developed a deep bond with his father through their shared love of car shows. In his youth, he found his footing in sports, excelling in baseball, hockey, and trap shooting. His talent on the ice and his skill with a shotgun led him to Lindenwood University, where he proudly represented the Lions as a collegiate athlete while earning his bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice.

Rich was a true outdoorsman. He began hunting whitetail deer, but duck hunting soon became his greatest passion—a pursuit that he followed with unwavering dedication throughout his life. His love for the outdoors drove him to relocate to Louisiana in 2016, where he pursued his dream of becoming a Game Warden. His commitment to the profession saw him rise through the ranks to Sergeant, earning the distinguished 2019 Louisiana Agent of the Year Award in his region and the prestigious Lifesaving Award for his heroic actions in the field.

Rich was a man of faith and was honored to be an honorary member of Lismore Baptist Church. Above all, he was blessed by the love of his life, Brooke, with whom he shared twelve beautiful years. In September 2023, they welcomed their greatest blessing, their son Wyatt. Rich’s loyal dogs, Drake and Goose, were never far from his side, joining him on countless outdoor adventures.

Rich was a man of warmth and generosity, known for hosting family and friends with his beloved Louisiana gumbo and rice and gravy. He will be deeply missed by all who shared in his buggy rides, outdoor excursions, and the love that he gave so freely.

He is reunited with paternal grandparents, Emery and Carol Walick; maternal grandmother, Marlene Twellman; maternal grandmother-in-law, Rita Taylor; paternal grandparents-in-law, Ron and Ruth Huegen; brother-in-law, Nicholas Taylor; and aunt, Dar Dar.

Those left behind to cherish Rich's memories are his wife and love of his life of 12 years, Brooke Nicole Taylor Heinold of Vidalia, LA; son, Wyatt Taylor Heinold; parents, Richard Heinold, Sr. and Sheri Twellman Heinold of Highland, IL; parents-in-law, Rick Taylor and Coleen Taylor of Breese, IL; sister, Anna Hunn & her husband Jake of Fenten, MO; sister-in-law, Kayla Taylor & fiancé' Bryan Lammers of Breese, IL; maternal grandfather, James Twellman; paternal grandfather-in-law, James Taylor; and nephew, Easton Lammers of Breese, IL; and a host of aunts, uncles, family, and friends.

Those honoring Rich as pallbearers will be Cole Cupit, Jamy Loomis, Carson Cupit, Wes Gibbs, Brennen Russell, Trey Mason, Gabe Guidry, and Reid Bohlinger.

In lieu of flowers, please consider contributing to Wyatt Taylor Heinold’s college fund, in care of Brooke Heinold.

To leave an online condolence for the family please visit www.youngsfh.com.