Charles William ìBillî Heaton, 86, of Hendersonville, entered into eternal peace, Sunday, April 26, 2009 at Elizabeth House. He was the son of the late Ollie and Temple Heaton. Born on January 22, 1923 in Indianola, NE, he worked for the Chicago Burlington & Quincy (CB&Q) Railroad, and Burlington Northern Railroad for forty years. He married Joann Gier October 12, 2001 and continued to reside in central Florida until they moved to Hendersonville in 2002. He was a kind, gentle man who never met a stranger. He had a song in his heart and a sprint in his step. On April 17, 1941, he received a Superior Award in a voice contest held in Indianola, NE. That love of music carried throughout his entire life. He was always singing or whistling, and had a song for every occasion. Several years ago, he made a list of over one hundred songs to which he knew the lyrics. One of his favorite songs was Danny Boy. He was also a huge sports fan. Football was his favorite, and he was a staunch supporter of the University of Nebraska Cornhuskers.
Survivors include his wife, Joann Gier Heaton; seven children, Stephen Heaton, Janine Dieterich, Donna Henrichs, Floyd Gier, Paul Gier, Teresa Frady, Shawn Roberts; nineteen grandchildren; and six great grandchildren.
No service is planned at this time.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Four Seasons Hospice and Palliative Care, 571 S. Allen Road, Flat Rock, NC 28731. Guests may sign a register book at www.forestlawnhendersonville.com.
Forest Lawn Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.
I had the honor of visiting and supporting Bill and Joanne as their Chaplain from Four Seasons Hospice. Bill’s gentle and kind nature was apparent to the very end of his life and I will miss my visits with him. It was an honor to serve Bill and Joanne and she and the family remain in my thoughts and prayers.
We are so very sorry to hear of Bill,s passing. I worked with bill daily for 30 years or more. Gods blessings to his Family,s
Joann I know this is hard for you but the memories never die. Bill was a good man and I enjoyed him alot.He was so good to you.The things that come to mind when I think of Bill is football, spaghetti and cookies. He will be greatly missed. Your Sis Julia
Joann,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time. Bill was such a sweet, wonderful man and he will be missed. I feel like I am a better person such knowing him. You are like a sister to me and I am always here for you!
Love you,
Marlys
We’re all here at Mom’s remembering and missing Bill. We’ll raise a glass to him – he was always great fun to be around.
Donna and Chuck
bill, the love of my life,the one that will be miss much by me, your wife
Bill we miss you already. Sing us a song.
Mom,
This made me cry to see it in the paper, the reality of it.you can be proud. you took good care of him right up to the end. It wasnít always easy but I know that he was thankful.
We all love him, and we are all going to miss him a great deal. He was the sweetest man.
I know the angels will enjoy his singing as much as we did.
I love you
Teresa