Werner Fritz Heidrich, Jr., 62, of Bay City, TX, passed away on Sunday, May 19, 2024, at his home in Wharton, TX.

Junior was born on July 21, 1961, in Bay City, Texas, to the late Werner Fritz Heidrich and Ellenora Marburger Heidrich. He was the eighth born of nine children. Having received a diagnosis of cerebral palsy as an infant, Junior lived with his mother, who took care of him until she was no longer able.

Though he never learned to speak, Junior had no problem communicating with his family and loved ones and was skilled in conveying his emotions. Whether that meant giving a big bear hug and sharing his infectious laugh or throwing a toy at you and wearing a grumpy face. Junior attended The Edith Armstrong Center in Bay City where he was able to learn and participate in fun activities. He lived out his later years in the Sunset Group Home in Wharton, TX.

Junior loved to "play ball", he enjoyed dancing in his wheelchair, he loved to eat, and he loved his family. He is leaving behind many memories made with those who knew and loved him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Werner and Ellenora Heidrich, his brothers, Daniel and Samuel Heidrich, his sister and brother-in-law, Carolyn and Galon Mills, and his niece, Debbie Miranda.

He is survived by his sisters, Mabel Miller (husband Donnie), Alice Davis (husband Gary), Lenora Mowdy (husband Clark), and Sharon Bratton (husband Ronnie), and his brother, Michael Heidrich (wife Judith), as well as 18 nieces and nephews, their spouses and children, and many cousins.

The family would like to extend their thanks and gratitude to Angels Hospice in Bay City, TX, the staff of Texana Learning Center in Wharton, TX, and the caregivers at Sunset Group Home in Wharton, TX.

Visitation will begin at 9:30 AM Thursday, May 23, 2024 at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home.  Funeral service will be at 10:00 Am with Matt Springfield officiating.  Interment will follow at Cedarvale Cemetery.  Pallbearers will be Bubba Miller, Butch Mills, Robert Davis, Chris Heidrich, Ronnie Bratton and Jay Mowdy.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Sunset Group Home through Texana Center in memory of Werner Heidrich, Jr. To do so, please go online to www.texanacenter.com or mail to

Sunset Group Home in ℅ Texana Center; 4910 Airport Avenue - Building D; Rosenberg, TX 77471.