John J. Heaton
John J. Heaton, 88, passed away on December 31, 2010 in Nacogdoches, Texas. He was born on December 1, 1922 in Gary, Texas to parents Jones Norman and Vada Ollen Worsham Heaton.
John was raised in East Texas and graduated from Nacogdoches High School. In High School, he discovered his appreciation for music and became First Chair trumpeter, concurrently holding the same position in the College Band at Stephen F. Austin State University, and in the prestigious Swinging Axes. Later, he attended Texas A&M University, transferred to Stephen F. Austin State University, and then secured a job in Tyler where he met his beloved wife, Geraldine (Jerry) Ruth Edwards. They married on June 2, 1943.
In 1943, he became a Chemist for Humble Oil in Baytown, Texas and worked in the Chemical Laboratory Division for sixteen years. During that time, he felt the Lord calling him into the ministry, and became very active in his church as a deacon and lay minister.
In 1956, he was ordained by Rev. Paul Stephens and became the first pastor for Memorial Baptist Church, a fully recognized Southern Baptist Church in Channelview, Texas. The church was begun by a small group of thirty-two Christian families. Services were originally held in the homes of the members. The children’s Sunday School classes were taught in the carport, while the youth met in the kitchen. The men met in the backyard under the shade of a tree, and the women in the parlor of an adjacent home. Shortly thereafter, the first auditorium was constructed on two acres of newly acquired property. In 1962, the new sanctuary was dedicated and the old Church building was refurbished for use as a Fellowship Hall. Rev. Heaton served there until 1969. Over the next few years he ministered in Kilgore and Henderson before becoming the Director of Missions for the East Texas Baptist Area. He ministered to over seventy-five pastors in a four county area until 1988 when he retired.
He continued his passion for bible study and mentored many young pastors through the years. He was known for his incredible sense of humor. He always had a joke ready and loved to create his own words, often by accident, especially from the pulpit! He was the epitome of a family man; always conveying his deep love, affection, and respect to his wife, daughters, and many grandchildren and great grandchildren. Although retired, Rev. Heaton continued to be a prayer warrior and student of The Word. By his grace, kindness, and mere presence he continued to be a witness for Christ. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
“As it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!” Romans 10:15
He is survived by his wife of sixty-seven years, Geraldine Ruth; daughters, Pamela Jeanne Heaton Duncan and husband, Larry, of Nacogdoches, Deborah Ann Heaton McElvaney and husband, Doyle, of Houston; grandchildren, Lance Edward Duncan of Austin, Courtney Leigh Williams and husband, Dustin, of Madison, Mississippi, Amy Meredith Duncan of Nacogdoches, Leslee Ann Anderson and husband, Joseph Michael, of Friendswood, Texas; and six great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.
Awaiting him with open arms in Heaven were his parents, brothers, and sisters. Visitation will be Monday, January 3rd, 2011 at Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Directors located at 5400 North Street in Nacogdoches from 6 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, January 4th at the Sunset Chapel and interment will follow at the Oak Grove Cemetery located in Nacogdoches. Online condolences may be offered at www.casonmonk-metcalf.com
Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Directors
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