Robert Louis Heaton Jr., lovingly known as Bob or Bobby, passed away peacefully at home on January 12, 2026, at the age of 67. He was surrounded by love and family, a reflection of the life he built.
Born on January 21, 1958, in Homestead, Florida, Bob was a true Floridian at heart. He graduated from South Dade Senior High School and went on to build a life defined by connection, laughter, and showing up for the people he loved.
Bob lived in many places over the years. Michigan was a home to Bob for decades, particularly in Flushing, where he raised his two daughters. Wherever he landed, he made friends easily and left an impression. He had a natural ability to talk to anyone, tell a story, and make people feel at ease.
He worked in a variety of roles throughout his life, including Regional Manager in retail, and particularly loved his career as an Auto Salesman because it allowed him to connect with people. No matter the job, Bob brought with him a strong work ethic and a deep sense of responsibility toward others. Being dependable mattered to him.
Bob loved sailing and the water, where he felt most himself, free, calm, and present. He found joy in simple pleasures: good conversations, shared meals, laughter with family, and the easy comfort of being together. He was a father, a brother, and a friend in the truest sense, steady, funny, imperfect, and deeply loved.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Geraldine Heaton.
Bob is survived by his children, Jill Heaton and Jennifer Heaton; his grandchildren, Evyn Widner, Trever Widner, and Lydia Noffsinger; his siblings, Linda Ruiz, Diane Dawson, and Richard Heaton; and many extended family members and friends who will miss his warmth, humor, and unmistakable presence.
A celebration of life will be held in Islamorada, Florida, where his family will honor his love for the ocean by spreading his ashes to rest at sea.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you honor Bob by sharing a story, telling a joke, or spending time with the people you love, just as he would have wanted ;)
Born on January 21, 1958, in Homestead, Florida, Bob was a true Floridian at heart. He graduated from South Dade Senior High School and went on to build a life defined by connection, laughter, and showing up for the people he loved.
Bob lived in many places over the years. Michigan was a home to Bob for decades, particularly in Flushing, where he raised his two daughters. Wherever he landed, he made friends easily and left an impression. He had a natural ability to talk to anyone, tell a story, and make people feel at ease.
He worked in a variety of roles throughout his life, including Regional Manager in retail, and particularly loved his career as an Auto Salesman because it allowed him to connect with people. No matter the job, Bob brought with him a strong work ethic and a deep sense of responsibility toward others. Being dependable mattered to him.
Bob loved sailing and the water, where he felt most himself, free, calm, and present. He found joy in simple pleasures: good conversations, shared meals, laughter with family, and the easy comfort of being together. He was a father, a brother, and a friend in the truest sense, steady, funny, imperfect, and deeply loved.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Geraldine Heaton.
Bob is survived by his children, Jill Heaton and Jennifer Heaton; his grandchildren, Evyn Widner, Trever Widner, and Lydia Noffsinger; his siblings, Linda Ruiz, Diane Dawson, and Richard Heaton; and many extended family members and friends who will miss his warmth, humor, and unmistakable presence.
A celebration of life will be held in Islamorada, Florida, where his family will honor his love for the ocean by spreading his ashes to rest at sea.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you honor Bob by sharing a story, telling a joke, or spending time with the people you love, just as he would have wanted ;)
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Robert Louis Heaton, Jr., please visit our flower store.
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