News Summary
Beaufort mourns the loss of two cherished residents, John Lawson Heles and Neil Richard Theisen, who passed away just days apart. Their significant contributions and loving spirits will be fondly remembered by family and the community. Memorial services have been organized to honor their lives and legacies, which have touched many through acts of kindness and service.
Beaufort, South Carolina – The community of Beaufort mourns the loss of two cherished residents, John Lawson Heles and Neil Richard Theisen, who passed away within days of each other in July 2025. John Heles died at the age of 84 on July 17 at Sprenger Healthcare of Port Royal, while Neil Theisen, 77, passed away at the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center in Charleston on July 13. Their contributions and warmth will be remembered fondly by family, friends, and the community.
Visitation for John Heles took place on July 24 at Anderson Funeral Home, followed by a Memorial Mass at St. Peter’s Historic Church on July 25. His final resting place is the St. Peter’s Columbarium, where he was inurned following the Mass. Neil Theisen’s Memorial Mass is scheduled for August 5 at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, with inurnment to follow at Beaufort National Cemetery, where he will receive military honors.
John Heles was born on November 11, 1940, in San Diego, California, to parents John Baptist and Wilma Lawson Heles. Growing up as the son of a United States Marine Corps Colonel, John moved frequently during his childhood before finally establishing a permanent home in Beaufort. After completing his studies at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, he returned to Beaufort, where he built a career in insurance sales. A devoted member of St. Peter’s Catholic Church, John was actively involved in Adoration and Bible Study, and he was known for his passionate gardening. His welcoming gestures, either through a strong handshake or warm hug, left a lasting impression on all who met him. John is survived by his daughter Mary “Missy,” son Drew, and grandchildren, among other family members, after outliving his sisters Chris Heles and Carole Hill. In lieu of flowers, the family requested donations be made to Mirasol Health.
Neil Richard Theisen was born on September 18, 1947, in Madison, Wisconsin, to Vincent and Marie Theisen. He served in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War and retired with the rank of Sergeant in 1969. Neil attended City College in New York, where he earned a degree in Economics and subsequently became a Master Plumber, working in the plumbing profession for three decades. He moved to North Dighton, Massachusetts, before finding his new home in Beaufort in 2017. In 2015, Neil met his future wife, Jane Cabral, and they traveled extensively together, exploring more than 40 states, including Alaska. They were married on September 2, 2020, during a camping trip. Neil is survived by his wife Jane, three step-children, and five grandchildren. The family encourages donations to the Friends of Fisher House in Charleston, an organization that provided support during Neil’s final days.
Both John Heles and Neil Theisen left significant marks on the Beaufort community, touching the lives of many through their acts of kindness, service, and involvement. Their legacies will continue to resonate within the hearts of those who knew and loved them.
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Additional Resources
- John Lawson Heles Obituary
- Wikipedia: Beaufort, South Carolina
- Neil Richard Theisen Obituary
- Google Search: John Lawson Heles
- Raymone Dagin Obituary
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Obituary
- Craig Merrill Obituary
- Google News: Neil Richard Theisen
- Patricia Dudley Obituary
- Google Scholar: Beaufort community
Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT
The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
