A. Jack Heaton

1935 - 2026

A. Jack Heaton, 90, a resident of Columbus, Indiana, passed away peacefully January 5, 2026, at Our Hospice of South Central Indiana Inpatient Facility. Born September 4, 1935, in Bloomfield, Indiana, Jack was the son of Floyd and Mabel Johnson Heaton. His warm smile and generous spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Jack loved life and lived it fully with integrity, laughter and love. On July 27, 1957, he married his beloved wife, Judy Noel, who survives him. Together they raised a family which would become Jack's pride and joy. Jack will be remembered by his wife of 68 years, Judy; children, Brian (Wendy) Heaton of Columbus and Lisa (Steve) Newton of Columbus; son-in-law, Brian Cox of Columbus; grandchildren, Lindsy (Andre) Carter, Emily (Dave) Herr, Bradly Balmer, Katie (Ryan) Dulay, Len (Brittany) Newton, Margaret Newton, Morgan (Skylar) Ping and Bryson Cox; 14 great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Janice Walker of Bloomfield; and many nieces, nephews and extended family members.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Laura Cox; brothers, A.M. "Squeak" and Robert Heaton; and sisters, Stella Bailey and Madge Fulk.

A proud graduate of Bloomfield High School in 1953, Jack furthered his education at Indiana University, where he earned his bachelor's degree in 1957. An avid IU fan, Jack's enthusiasm for his alma mater specifically and sports in general was infectious. His love for bridge was more than a pastime; it was a way to connect with friends and engage his strategic mind. He also enjoyed the camaraderie and competition inherent in a good game of golf.

Jack's professional life was marked by a distinguished career with Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance, where he began his employment in 1957. His dedication to the company was evident as he served on numerous boards and eventually retired as the Director of Communication in 1992. While his business was insurance, Jack's passion was people.

A man of faith, Jack was an active member of First Christian Church in Columbus. He formerly served on the Board of Trustees, as the church Treasurer and as a Deacon, faithfully contributing to the church's mission. His ongoing involvement with the 3M's Sunday School Class was a source of fellowship and spiritual enrichment.

Jack previously served on both the Columbus Plan Commission and the Edinburgh/Bartholomew/Columbus Joint District Plan Commission demonstrating his commitment to the growth and development of his community. His active involvement in local politics, work with the American Heart Association and membership in the Elks Lodge No. 521 reflected his belief in the importance of civic duty and the power of individual contribution.

The Heaton family would like to express a special thank you to Jack's medical teams and Pam Brunton of Griswald Care.

The funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, January 10, 2026, at Barkes, Weaver & Glick Funeral Home on Washington Street; Tim Bond will officiate. Family and friends may gather for visitation from 10 a.m. until service time Saturday at the funeral home. Jack will be laid to rest alongside his daughter, Laura, at the Flat Rock Baptist Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to First Christian Church or The Jack and Judy Heaton Legacy Fund through the Greene County Foundation.

Condolences and special memories may be shared with the Heaton family, and a video tribute may be viewed at barkesweaverglick.com.