Steven Edward Heatwole

1955 - 2024

HEATWOLE, Steven Edward, 69, of Moseley, passed away peacefully in his home on May 11, 2024. Steve was surrounded by the love of family and friends in the days before his death. His funny personality and good-hearted nature for everyone he met will be deeply missed.

Steve was a loving husband and dedicated father, Papa, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend. His greatest joys were his five children and eleven grandchildren. He was an avid Washington Redskins and New York Yankees fan and loved traveling, watching sports, staying connected to friends, and spending time with family. Steve's generous and kind personality made him an immediate friend to everyone lucky enough to have known and loved him.

He is survived by his wife, Beth; son, Brett Harman (Jessica and children, Landen and Charlotte); daughters, Elizabeth Shoulders (David and children, Carrington, William and Tyler), Margaret Simmons (Dennis and children, Reid, Zachary and Cameron), Megan Heatwole, and Caroline Meeker (Derek and children, Brayden, Lily and Grayson); brother, David Heatwole (Eliza) and nephews, Billy, Michael and Daniel of Seattle, WA; sister, Jean Ann Heatwole, niece, Jasmine, and nephews, Jamie and Jacob of Waynesboro, VA; cousins, Paul Caswell of Portsmouth, VA and Leslie Winn of Portsmouth, VA and countless other close relatives and friends. Steve was preceded in death by his parents, Gene and Patricia Heatwole of Waynesboro; his aunt, Barbara Lawrence of Portsmouth, VA; and his brother-in-law, Jeff "Pup" Morgan of Lexington, VA; and family favorite pets, "Maggie Dog" and "Spencer Dog".

Steve was born on May 6, 1955, in Waynesboro, VA. He was a great athlete from a young age, playing numerous sports and excelling in all of them. He attended high school at Fishburne Military School from 1971 through 1975 and was a four-year letterman in Wrestling, Track, and Football. He also served as the Captain of the Varsity Football team for two years. He was a member of the Honor Council, Varsity Club, and received the E.P. Child's Junior Scholarship during his Senior Year. Following his graduation from Fishburne, Steve attended the Virginia Military Institute in Lexington, VA from 1975 through 1979 where he studied Civil Engineering. His graduating class of 1979 and fellow brother "Rats" at VMI quickly became lifelong friends whom he enjoyed spending time with sharing stories of their glory days and adventures even in his final weeks. Their love and support for each other knew no bounds.

Following his time at VMI, Steve went on to have a highly accomplished career at NiSource (formerly Columbia Gas Company) where he worked for 37 years in Engineering Services leading several organizations including Operations, Compliance Training, Project Management, Fabrication, and Meter Shops. One would say, "He could do it all." He was well-loved and respected by his colleagues for his dedication and versatility throughout his tenure at the gas company.

His career began in Lexington, VA, where he met the love of his life, Beth. It didn't take long for them to know it was forever. They were married on December 22, 1995, in the presence of their five loving children. In 1997, they were relocated to Richmond, VA, where Steve spent the remainder of his life surrounded by all five of their children who live locally. Over the past 15 years, Steve and Beth have welcomed 11 grandchildren ages two to 15 who were the light of his life and adored their "Papa" beyond compare. The two shared almost 30 years of marriage together building their life, blending a beautiful family, and enjoying traveling and ultimately soaking up their days together as Nana and Papa to their 11 grandchildren.

Steve retired from NiSource in June of 2016 and enjoyed spending his days working outdoors, attending his grandchildren's school and sports events, watching Megan play her music at different venues, and traveling the country with family and friends. Steve was also a lifelong member of the NRA and recently received the Lifetime Giving Award from Fishburne Military Academy.

A visitation will be held at the Chesterfield Chapel of Bennett Funeral Home, 14301 Ashbrook Parkway, on the evening of Friday, May 17, from 5 to 7 p.m. followed by a private graveside service for family and close relatives at Augusta Memorial Park in Waynesboro, VA. A celebration of life is scheduled for 3 p.m. on Sunday, June 2, 2024, at Swift Creek Presbyterian Church, 5900 Woolridge Rd., Moseley, VA 23120. The service will be followed by a reception from 4 to 7 p.m. at The Magnolia Green Golf Club. Friends and family are welcome to attend.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the American Cancer Society.