Richard Lee Heiden was born September 11, 1926 in Chippewa Township, Isabella County, Michigan. He was the fourth child of Herman and Fredareka (Rambow) Heiden.

He married Thelma Lyons Clark on May 1, 1954 in Lansing, Michigan. They lived in St Louis, Michigan and had three children.

Richard died at the age of 76 on November 29, 2002 in Isabella County and is buried at Salt River Cemetery in Shepherd. Thelma who was born on November 11, 1930 passed away at the age of 72 on April 8, 2003 in Shepherd, Michigan and is also buried at Salt River Cemetery.