LARRY D. HEITMAN

LARRY D. HEITMAN

1950 - 2026

Larry D. Heitman, 76, of Santa Maria, California, passed away at his home on September 8, 2026. Larry was born on August 30, 1950, in Steeleville, Illinois, the son of Paul Heitman and Patricia J. Heitman Chapman (Glenn). After graduating from Monticello High School in 1968, Larry attended and graduated from Southern Illinois University Carbondale.

Larry's early years reflected the independence and curiosity that would characterize much of his life. He taught elementary school and worked in apple orchards in Washington State. In the Okanogan Valley, he built a home by hand and created wind-energy and other systems to help power it through both summer and winter. During that time, he sold life insurance in the evenings.

In 1976, Larry began what would become a 43-year career in crop insurance as a wheat adjuster for the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation (FCIC). Within two years, he advanced to sales supervisor and regional training manager. In 1979, he moved to Washington, D.C., to work for the FCIC as Congress considered legislation that became the Federal Crop Insurance Act of 1980, expanding private-sector participation in the federal crop insurance program. In 1982, Larry returned to California and opened the state's first multi-peril crop insurance company branch office. He later joined NAU Country, where he led its Western Branch and helped build it into California's largest crop insurance underwriter. In 2013, he received the Crop Insurance Industry Leadership Award, and he later served as Chairman of the American Association of Crop Insurers, advocating in Washington, D.C., for farmers and the crop insurance program. He retired from NAU Country in 2019 after 43 years in the industry.

Larry also had a passion for Porsche racing. He became a Porsche driving instructor and drove with Poqpine Racing at racetracks around the country. His favorite was Laguna Seca in Monterey, California.

Larry married Sue in 1999, beginning a life together filled with travel, road racing, farming, and community involvement. They traveled the world together while continuing to follow road racing and pursue the interests they shared.

At their farm in the Capay Valley, Larry and Sue grew almonds, pomegranates, olives, and grapes. In 2014, Road 79 Farm, owned by Sue and Larry Heitman and Kim and Jim Rix, won Best of Class for its Picual olive oil at the International New York Olive Oil Competition.

Larry and Sue believed strongly in investing in the communities around them. Through the Suzanne and Larry Dale Heitman Charitable Foundation, they supported local organizations and projects throughout the Capay Valley, including Capay Valley Vision, Tuli Mem Park and Aquatics Center, the Capay Valley Health and Community Center, and the Madison Food Closet. The foundation provided the grant that helped launch the Madison Food Closet and supported other local charitable causes. Larry served on the board of the Esparto Fire District and later as an HOA board member and officer in Palm Springs. After moving to Santa Maria, he continued supporting local civic causes, including Indivisible Santa Maria.

Larry is survived by his wife, Sue Heitman; his stepson, Preston Greene, and Preston's wife, Amy Greene; and his granddaughter, Sasha Greene. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Kim Rix; his niece, Olivia Rix, and her fiancé, Jake Shab; and his nephew, Josh Rix, and Josh's wife, Rachel Rix. Larry also considered many of his colleagues and friends to be family.

Larry will be remembered for his independence, drive, curiosity, and generosity. He built a home by hand, helped shape an industry, raced Porsches, farmed the land, traveled widely, and invested in the communities he called home.

His passing leaves behind cherished memories and a lasting place in the hearts of those whose lives he touched. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

Arrangements are in the care of Magner-Maloney Funeral Home and Crematory. Sympathy notes and words of support may be expressed at www.magnermaloney.com.