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Reger Funeral Home & Cremation Services - Huntington

1242 Adams Avenue

Huntington, West Virginia

William Heaberlin Obituary


WILLIAM A. "BILL" HEABERLIN, age 78, of Huntington, West Virginia, passed away on October 21, 2025.
He was born on January 14, 1947, in Beckley, WV, the son of Donald Franklin Heaberlin and Edith (McKinney) Heaberlin. He was the grandson of James and Emma Heaberlin, and Isaac and Bertha McKinney.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, parents, younger brother Gary, first wife Claire, nephew Rusty Gross, sister Shirley VanHorne, special friend Allen Stotler, and son Michael.
He is survived by his devoted wife Deborah (Smith) Heaberlin; a brother, Donald F. Heaberlin, Jr. (Karen) of Lebanon, OH; a sister Katy Jo Heaberlin and a niece Kathy Lynn VanHorne, both of Centerville, VA; special friend Gerry Ogbozo; and three grandchildren, Branden, Jarrod and Julie.
Heaberlin was a graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School, Beckley College, and Marshall University, where he earned both BA and MA degrees. He served for eight years on the Board of Directors of the MU Alumni Association, and was part of the Sesquicentennial Committee which planned the 150th anniversary celebration. He was a member of the Huntington Regional Chamber of Commerce, the International Theatrical Agencies Association (two-term president), the International Entertainment Buyers Association, the International Association of Fairs and Expositions, served eight years on the Board of the Cabell-Huntington Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Country Music Association, the Board of Directors of the Keith Albee Performing Arts Center, and St. Peter Claver Catholic Church of Huntington, WV.
Heaberlin was founder of Media Promotion Enterprises (MPE Entertainment), a firm that booked and produced entertainment events for many festivals, corporate functions, and special events across the country. For over two decades, he served as producer of the Marshall Artist Series. MPE was tapped to produce the premiere of the Warner Brothers Motion Picture "We Are Marshall" as well as "Project Welcome Home" for the military following the war in Desert Storm.
A lifelong musician, he performed for 40 years with the popular band The Gentleman III.
Visitation will be on Sunday, October 26, 2025, from 4-6 p.m. at Reger Funeral Home. A mass of Christian burial will be held at St. Peter Claver Catholic Church on Monday, October 27, 2025, at 11:11 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Keith Albee Performing Arts Center, 925 4th Avenue, Huntington, WV, or St. Peter Claver Catholic Church, 828 15th Street, Huntington, WV.
Online condolences may be made to the family at www.regerfh.com

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

Published by Charleston Gazette-Mail on Oct. 25, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for William Heaberlin

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Rick Modesitt

October 29, 2025

Very sorry to hear of the passing of Bill. Sincere sympathies to his family and friends.

Rick Modesitt

Susan Christensen

October 28, 2025

Debbie,
I was so sorry to hear about your husband´s death. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers through this difficult and challenging time.
Susan Burford Christensen

David B. Wamsley

October 28, 2025

I have great memories of Bill from the world of music and from our shared interest in roulette. We lost a valuable piece of our generation. Rest now Bill, you worked hard to make us all better. Dave Wamsley, drummer

Brenda Tanner

October 27, 2025

Bill was also a teacher and yearbook advisor years ago at Vinson High School. I was fortunate to be one of his students. A great guy and teacher. RIP Mr. Heaberlin.

Ruth Taylor

October 25, 2025

A very nice gentleman who worked with the WV Association of Fairs and Festivals. He will be missed in many venues.

Group of 10 Memorial Trees

Jim and Colleen Buskirk

Sent Sympathy Gifts including Trees

Bob Teague

October 24, 2025

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

Beautiful Horizons Floor Basket

The Shade Family

Sent Sympathy Gifts including Flowers

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Memorial Events
for William Heaberlin

Oct

26

Visitation

4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Reger Funeral Home & Cremation Services

1242 Adams Ave, Huntington, WV 25704

Oct

27

Service

11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

St. Peter Claver Catholic Church

828 15th Street, Huntington, WV 25701

Oct

27

Burial

12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.

White Chapel Memorial Gardens

6155 E Pea Ridge Rd, Huntington, WV 25705

Funeral services provided by:

Reger Funeral Home & Cremation Services - Huntington

1242 Adams Avenue P.O. Box 9096, Huntington, WV 25704

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