EDITOR’S NOTE | Backyard Birthday Bash, Texas Style: Celebrating 70 Years of Lorne Liechty

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EDITOR’S NOTE | Backyard Birthday Bash, Texas Style: Celebrating 70 Years of Lorne Liechty

In the backyard of his Heath home on the shores of Lake Ray Hubbard, Lorne Liechty shares a celebratory moment with country music legend Pat Green as a spectacular fireworks display lights up the night sky.

Every now and then, you find yourself at a gathering that isn’t just a birthday party—it’s a reflection of a life well lived. That’s exactly what happened on August 28, when Heath’s own Lorne Liechty turned 70.

Lorne’s wife Mary pulled out all the stops, as a few hundred friends and family gathered at their lakeside home for an evening of Texas barbecue, fireworks over Lake Ray Hubbard, and a backyard concert by none other than Pat Green.

Storm clouds tried to crash the party early on, but guests simply popped umbrellas, filled their plates with brisket and turkey, smoky mac & cheese, potato salad and coleslaw, and carried on—just as Lorne himself would do (and Pat Green, if you know the song…)

Soon the clouds cleared, and the night turned golden.

Guests received badges upon entering the party, complete with a schedule of events for food, fun, fellowship and fireworks – and glow sticks to wear and wave during the Pat Green concert.
My cowboy hat was enough to keep me covered during the rain shower, while other guests opted for an umbrella in one hand and fork in the other.
I’m not sure which was better – the barbecue meats or the smoky macaroni & cheese. Those brown sugar beans were the bomb!
Lorne Liechty (third from left) is joined by Rockwall County Defense Attorney Tim Hartley, Rockwall ISD Superintendent JJ Villarreal, and Helping Hands President & CEO Jon Bailey.
A phenomenal fireworks display followed Pat Green’s performance, capping off Lorne’s birthday celebration.

Friends spoke of Lorne’s integrity, his heart for service, and his steady faith. As former Heath Mayor, current Rockwall County Commissioner, attorney, adventurer, and a frequent contributor to Blue Ribbon News, he’s a man who has poured deeply into his community since moving here in 1986.

Pat Green wove humor and stories into his show, which included hits like “Three Days,” “Take Me Out to a Dancehall,” “Carry On,” “Wave on Wave,” and “Girls from Texas”. Pat has received multiple Grammy Award nominations and was nominated for Academy of Country Music Awards.

Pat Green’s set brought sing-alongs and laughter, but also poignant moments as he honored the memory of his late brother and sister-in-law and their two sons, lost in the July floods. It was a reminder that as we age, it’s not about adding more years to our lives—but more life to our years. On this night, Lorne did just that. Happy birthday, dear friend!

Dr. JJ Villarreal, Lorne Liechty, and Blue Ribbon News editor Dawn Redig.
Pat Green concluded his show with crowd favorite, Wave on Wave.
Lorne’s birthday gift was being surrounded by family and friends, including one of his favorite country music artists, Pat Green. Lorne wanted this party to be his gift to others to say thanks for the impact they’ve made on his life and career.

READ ‘THE VIEW FROM SEVENTY, BY LORNE LIECHTY’ as seen in our September 2025 print edition. 

Story and photos by Dawn Redig, Blue Ribbon News. 

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