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John Heaton Obituary

JOHN D. HEATON SR., 63 ROCKFORD - John D. Heaton Sr., 63, of Rockford went to be with the Lord Friday, April 26, 2013. Born Dec. 11, 1949, in Abington, PA, the son of Francis W. and June Heaton. Veteran of the Vietnam War, serving in the U.S. Navy. Proud member of the NA community for 24 years. Avid Green Bay Packer fan. Survivors include children, Michelle Heaton-Krebs, John (Angela) Heaton Jr., and Jennifer Heaton-Gottselig; grandchildren, Sara and Jacob Krebs, Jacob, Samantha, Adrianna and Cody Heaton, Tré and Daerien Gottselig; and brother, William Heaton. Predeceased by parents; and brothers, Jim and Francis "Bunky" Heaton. Family wishes to especially thank Jo Ann and Woody Swope and Julie. Memorial service at 5 p.m. Friday, May 3, at Delehanty Funeral Home, Ltd., 401 River Lane, Loves Park, with visitation from 4 p.m. to service time. In lieu of flowers, a memorial will be established. For more information, delehantyfh.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Rockford Register Star from May 1 to May 2, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for John Heaton

Not sure what to say?





Marcy Hutmacher

April 25, 2022

Hard to believe it's been so long. I wish I could say I still thing of you every day, but life happens.
I hope ànd pray heaven is everything you hoped it would be. I have a lot more friends and family with you now.
you use to say a saying about who do u want to grow old with. it been said any times in my house, so thank you for leaving that part of you in me.
Your Truly.

K. Barry Kulp

April 25, 2021

There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think of John, having spent the time by his side while we served on the USS Saratoga CV-60 in the Gulf of Tonkin, Viet Nam. He was a one of a kind person, roomate and friend. Even after I was discharged we stayed in contact for years. He had a spirit of the type when times got heavy while under attack or hitting rough seas, he always had a humorous attitude that made everyone feel at ease, no matter what dangers we faced. One of those friendships that's never forgotten, so he will never be forgotten by me! R.I.P. my friend!

Karen Heaton

May 9, 2013

Love you, John, and will miss you. May you and Bunky have a great reunion!!

Kareb Heaton

May 9, 2013

My deepest sympathy to the family & friends of John. He was a wonderful guy & touched many lives with his unconditional love & support - he will be missed by everyone. He was a great son to Mom & Dad Heaton and thanks to Bunky,a very special brother-in-law to me. I am so sorry I missed his memorial but please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you all. May John rest in peace and may all your wonderful memories of him bring you comfort during this difficult time. God Bless!

May 8, 2013

So sorry angela and LJ ask Rich about this brain of mine.I love you both and the girls...... Diane-mom

Diane OBrien

May 8, 2013

LJ Beth so sorry for your loss. Your dad was a good man,father,grandfather.May God Bless you all...... mom OBrien Diane

Jessica DeRosso(Kopcio)

May 6, 2013

Big John you will be deeply missed and forever loved. You always knew what to say to make everyone feel welcome and loved. Your gone but never forgotten. Rest In Peace Pops.

May 4, 2013

Rest in peace Big JOHN you will be deeply missed you were a big part of so many lives you helped alot of us along our way sorry for your loss LJ my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family through this time of sorrow!

Andy Houser

May 4, 2013

I remember a very kind man who always made room for others. As I read through these posts , I noticed a lot of the same remembrances for a man who played an important part of everyone's life at one time or another. My thoughts are with you and your family LJ.

Bro. Ron Collins

May 3, 2013

We here in the Region 51 area of NA Southern Nevada send our condolence to the family of John (POPS)H. our Prayers are with You!

Robert Dunn

May 3, 2013

Thank you for your help in life Pops. You were the only man that made a difference in my life. If it were not for your advice about life, I may not be the man I am today. Thank you so much for you wisdom and the time you took to help me. There will never be another man like you, RIP MR. John Heaton SR.

Chad Martin

May 3, 2013

My condolences. John was a big part to a lot of people's lives. A fill in parental figure to alot of us when our family's fell apart. Thanks John for being that solid figure when some had none. You will always be remembered and have never been forgotten. RIP

mike webb

May 3, 2013

You were a good man john you will be missed by manny.. john jr you are in my thoughts he will be watching over you until you meet again......

Pops was the most selfless man I have ever met. John's love did not die and you know this is true because he gave it to you! Shared that for Pops!

Jackie Head

May 2, 2013

Dan Williams

May 2, 2013

Very sorry to hear of the loss of your father John jr. Your in my thoughts and prayers.

Rick Wade

May 2, 2013

He never gave up on me, even when I would give up on myself. Because of you Pop's I got a shot at a better life. I'm glad you got to hear of your success with me before you moved on.
You are the most selfless man I ever knew. You are truly one of a kind Pop's.
Save me a spot next to the gates so we can watch the newcomers together again.

Heather Hawkins

May 2, 2013

Pops was one of the first people who held on to me 16 yrs ago. Through the years he always told me he loved me no matter what. He was a confident, teacher, protector, and at one point a partner. You are missed Pops. I will love you forever.

Jennifer Sexton/Wegner

May 2, 2013

I am so sorry for your loss LJ and family. My heart goes out to you. He was a wonderful man.

CTR3 K. Barry Kulp - 1972

K. Barry Kulp

May 2, 2013

My condolences to the family and friends of John. John worked with me in the Navy aboard the U.S.S. Saratoga CV-60 in the Gulf of Tonkin (Viet Nam) arena. No matter how stressful things got over there, John was always ready with a humorous quip to break the tension, and believe me, there was plenty of that during that time frame. I will always remember his smile and quick wit and will miss his friendship. It's been approximately 40 years since then, and I can still remember that smile of his. Rest in Peace shipmate.

NICOLE SCHWARTZ-GATES

May 2, 2013

SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS LJ AND FAMILY. I REMEMBER HIM BEING SUCH A GREAT MAN. MY PRAYERS ARE WITH ALL OF YOU.

Patty Nation

May 1, 2013

You will be truly missed..you taught me so much,and for that i thank you...love you always..Patty Nation

jo swope

May 1, 2013

will love you forever pops..your in our hearts always...

Woody S

May 1, 2013

John was a man I will always try to be like. When I was on the road working I did not have to worry about my family or my house. He looked after things till I was back home. He taught me how to be a better man. He loved his family, and grand kids. He was always helping others. And never worried about himself. That was the unconditional love that he had for everyone. I just hope I can be half the man that he was. I will miss you Pops and will never forget you. And will always love you.

Mike Sedrick

May 1, 2013

I am so sad to post a message like this. Such a great loss to so many, John will be missed. He affected and changed the lives of so many. I have had the privilege of knowing John for some considerable time - It has been an honour and a pleasure. He has been a trusted confidant and advisor and importantly a good friend. I will miss you John but will not forget you. Rest in Peace.

angela heaton

May 1, 2013

Love you.

you are in the Lords hands now.

Marcy Hutmacher

May 1, 2013

you was an incredible man with a big heart. your love for me and countless others will live on in ever person you touched. a special thanks to you Pops for your love and faith in me, when i had known in myself.

May 1, 2013

You will be so missed.you were a wonderful friend,grandpa,and helped so many people.I am proud to think of you as another father,as you were always there for me.love angela

christy olson-minor

May 1, 2013

You are and forever will be in my heart. Rest well...

Julie Davidson

May 1, 2013

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

Lauri McEachran

May 1, 2013

John will be missed. He was very instrumental at a time in my life when I was lost.

Denise N.

May 1, 2013

Pops, you'll forever be in our hearts.

Showing 1 - 31 of 31 results

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Delehanty Funeral Home - Loves Park

401 River Lane, Loves Park, IL 61111-5040

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