Bruce Heaton Obituary
Bruce N. Heaton
Dec. 25, 1938 - April 19, 2023
VENICE, Florida - Bruce N. Heaton, 84, passed away in Venice, FL on April 19, 2023. He was born on December 25, 1938, in Murrayville, IL to Ralph and Frances (Schofield) Heaton.
Bruce graduated from Jacksonville High School in 1957. Bruce was happily married for nearly 48 years to his wife, Sharon K. (Nixon) Heaton. He and Sharon wintered in Florida beginning in 2011 and moved to Venice full-time in 2019.
In his professional career as an Insurance Executive, Bruce was in senior leadership positions with Munich Reinsurance Co., Country Companies Insurance, Frontier Mutual Insurance Co., and Heaton Agency, Inc. He was a natural and gifted leader, who rose to become President of the National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies and served as Chairman of the Board of Directors of several companies and organizations.
Bruce became an avid golfer, often playing five days a week, in recent years. He was a member of the Plantation Golf and Country Club in Venice, FL, and the Jacksonville Country Club in Jacksonville, IL. He was a lifetime member of the Elks fraternal organization and had served as a Trustee and the Exalted Ruler of the Pontiac, IL Chapter. For many years, Bruce also enjoyed playing fastpitch softball and fishing.
He will be remembered as a loving husband, father, and grandfather, and as a fierce competitor on any golf course.
Bruce is predeceased by his parents; and six brothers. He is survived by his wife, Sharon; his children: Rodger Heaton (Ann Robert), Tony Heaton, Greg Heaton (Stacey), and Karen Heins; his 11 grandchildren and their spouses; his nine great-grandchildren; his two sisters: Nancy Spangenberg (Gary), and Carla Sheppard (John); and many, many friends and extended family members.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be directed to the Florida Cancer Research, the MD Anderson (for prostate cancer research), or any charity of the donor's choice.
A memorial service will be held at a later date.
To leave a note of condolence to the family, please visit www.farleyfuneralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Tom and Judy Eoff
May 2, 2023
Sharon, Judy and I were so very sorry to hear about Bruce. I will always cherish the many rounds of golf we played at the Jacksonville Country Club.Bruce was a serious golfer but also had a great smile especially when we won! Bruce was a good man and will be missed by all of friends here in Jacksonville.
Jerry Parsons
April 28, 2023
Bruce was a giant among the insurance leaders I had the privilege of knowing when I worked on behalf of State Farm with mutual insurers. He was a strong leader yet the kind of person one can enjoy being with socially. My fondest memories of him stem from his year as chairman of the National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies. The annual convention he put on as chair was second to none. I have never forgotten the joy that gathering brought me, largely due to Bruce's efforts. He was a class act, a real gentleman and a shrewd businessman. I really admired him!
Sally and Jay Wilson
April 27, 2023
Sharon, So sorry to hear of Bruce´s passing. We were just reminiscing the other day if you were still in Illinois and ISU fans. Keeping you and your family in our prayers for God´s peace and comfort.
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Brenda Nixon
April 26, 2023
Sharon, Bill and I were so sorry to hear of Bruce's passing. Please share our condolences with all the Heaton family, as well as the Nixons.
Tom and Connie Ewing
April 26, 2023
Sharon and all the Heaton family,
We were so sorry to hear of Bruce´s passing. Our minds have been wandering over all of the memories we shared with both of you! It is truly a lifetime of great friendship. You continue to be in our thoughts and prayers! Tom and Connie Ewing
Jo Scott
April 25, 2023
Sharon, I am so sorry for your great loss. Please know my heart and prayers are with you and your family. You two had a long and loving marriage and it's gonna be hard to grieve all of that but, you are one of the strongest, bravest, most able women I have ever known.
Girls Nite Out Forever Jo Scott
John and Julie Schaefer
April 25, 2023
Our condolences to the Heaton family. May you take strength from each other as you celebrate Bruce's life and mourn his loss. He will be missed on the golf course and in the after round celebrations, but not forgotten. God bless you all!
Gary Kahle
April 25, 2023
I was deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Bruce. Please accept my sincere condolences for your loss Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Remember to take care of yourself and lean on your loved ones for support. You have my sympathy. Gary Kahle
Cathy Green
April 23, 2023
We are so sorry about your loss. We miss the good times we had playing golf with Bruce and Sharon and hope to see her if the service is held in Jacksonville. Bruce certainly did well with his career, and on fighting cancer.
Jim and Cathy Green
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265 Nokomis Avenue, Venice, FL 34285
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