Few men exemplify dedication, leadership, and service like Ed Heath. With a storied career in the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), leadership roles in historical preservation, and a tenure as the Most Worshipful Grand Master of the York Grand Lodge of Mexico, Heath’s life is one of duty, honor, and commitment. From his work in law enforcement to his passion for Texas history and Freemasonry, his impact is far-reaching. Yet, despite his many accomplishments, at his core, Heath remains a devoted family man—one who has instilled in his children and community the same values that have guided his own remarkable journey.
Early Life and Foundations of Service
Ed Heath was born and raised in Rio Grande City, a small town where everyone knew their neighbors and community meant everything. His father was the only doctor in the area, serving as the town’s physician, and young Ed often accompanied him on house calls. These early experiences instilled in him a sense of duty and service, as he saw firsthand how his father cared for people in their greatest times of need.
Despite his deep ties to his hometown, Ed was eager to experience the world beyond Rio Grande City. By the time he graduated from Rio Grande City High School—where he played football for the Rattlers—he was ready to get out and see the big city. He set his sights on Houston, where he enrolled at the University of Houston in 1958.
While in college, Heath embraced campus life, becoming an active member of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity. The fraternity played a significant role in his social and personal development, and it was through one of his fraternity brothers that he met his future wife, Lorraine, on a blind date. Their connection was immediate, and she became his lifelong partner and support system.
During his time at the University of Houston, Heath attended a job fair where the DEA (then the Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs) had a booth. A recruiter’s words caught his attention: “Boy, we’re looking for guys that can shoot guns and speak Spanish.” That was all Heath needed to hear. He graduated in 1962 and soon after joined the agency, setting him on a path that would define the rest of his career.
Heath and his family have deep roots in Texas, with their ancestors first arriving in Texas on October 24, 1828. This legacy of perseverance and service has been passed down through generations, shaping Heath’s values and dedication to his community.
A Career on the Frontlines of the Drug War
Heath’s early days at the DEA were filled with paperwork and administrative tasks—not the kind of work he envisioned when he joined. Determined to be in the field, he pushed relentlessly for a more active role. Eventually, his persistence paid off, and he was assigned undercover work targeting a growing heroin operation.
His first mission was straightforward but dangerous: infiltrate a bar known to be a gathering place for drug traffickers and informants. The DEA handed him a slip of paper with the bar’s name and little else. It was a rough, working-class establishment where Spanish was the only language spoken. On his first visit, no one acknowledged him. On his second attempt, he devised a plan—he put his arm in a sling, smeared it with fake blood, and walked in. Immediately, someone asked, “Que pasó, mano?” (What happened to you?). That was the opening he needed.
From that moment on, Heath was in. He gained the trust of the group, learning their operations from the inside. What started as a small-time bust turned into a long and successful undercover mission that helped dismantle an early heroin distribution ring. His fluency in Spanish and ability to blend in made him one of the most effective agents in the field.
In 1970, Heath was shot while conducting an undercover operation in Miami. At the time, his family had just relocated to the city, with his daughter being two years old and his son only five weeks old. He was tracking a Caribbean cocaine trafficker and was sent by the FBI to bring in a suspect. Heath believed they should take him in immediately, but the FBI insisted on entering the house. Inside, the suspect—out of his mind on drugs—was hiding in a coat closet. Heath and his partner moved in cautiously when, suddenly—BOOM! The suspect burst out of the closet, firing. Heath’s partner was hit first, and as Heath pulled him to safety behind a couch, he was shot as well. The bullet entered his cheek, exited his neck, re-entered his chest, and traveled downward toward his stomach. He was rushed to the ICU, where he remained for two weeks. The surgeon who operated on him was so intrigued by his case that he asked to keep the bullet. This wasn’t Heath’s first shootout, but it was the first time he had been shot.
As his reputation grew, Heath was sent to some of the most dangerous regions in the world. He was involved in multiple gun battles, sustained injuries in the line of duty, and faced threats that would have made lesser men reconsider their career choices. But Heath never wavered. He knew that his work was vital, especially after the tragic murder of DEA Agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena in 1985. His commitment to the mission only strengthened, leading to his crucial role in Operation Leyenda, the most extensive DEA-led investigation into cartel violence at the time.
Contributions to the Sons of the Republic of Texas
Heath and his family have deep roots in Texas, with their ancestors first arriving in Texas on October 24, 1828. This legacy of perseverance and service has been passed down through generations, shaping Heath’s values and dedication to his community.
In addition to his work in law enforcement, Heath dedicated himself to preserving the history of Texas through the Sons of the Republic of Texas (SRT). As President General, he worked tirelessly to promote awareness of Texas’ rich heritage. One of his proudest moments was presiding over the dedication of a memorial marker honoring Texas Rangers at the Texas Rangers Heritage Center in Fredericksburg, TX.
Heath’s leadership in the SRT also involved educating future generations about Texas history. He believed that understanding the past was key to shaping the future and worked to instill a sense of pride in young Texans. His work in the SRT reflects his lifelong commitment to service—not just through law enforcement but through education and historical preservation.
Grand Master of the York Grand Lodge of Mexico
At age 21, Heath followed in his father’s footsteps and joined Hope Masonic Lodge No. 471 in Rio Grande City, beginning a lifelong commitment to Freemasonry and the principles of brotherhood, integrity, and service.
Heath’s leadership extended into Freemasonry, where he served as the Most Worshipful Grand Master of the York Grand Lodge of Mexico. His tenure emphasized the importance of Masonic values, leadership, and community service. Although public records on his accomplishments in this role are limited, his influence is evident through the continued growth and active participation of the lodge.
Freemasonry provided Heath with a network of like-minded individuals dedicated to self-improvement and service. He saw the fraternity as a platform to mentor young men, instilling in them the same values that guided his own life. His leadership in the York Grand Lodge of Mexico further cements his legacy as a man dedicated to principles, tradition, and moral guidance.
The Kendall Gentleman: A True Man of Honor
Ed Heath embodies everything The Kendall Gentleman stands for—honor, service, and leadership. His journey through law enforcement, historical preservation, and community service paints a portrait of a man deeply committed to making a difference. His story is one of courage, dedication, and unwavering principle.
