Richard Lowell Heaton

Richard L. Heaton 1928-2011 PRINCETON — Richard “Dick” Lowell Heaton, 82, of Princeton passed away Monday, Sept. 19, 2011, at his home, in his favorite room, surrounded by his family. He was born on Dec. 31, 1928, in Princeton to Howard and Dorothy (Church) Heaton. He married Janice Bomenly on July 15, 1955, in Dixon. Dick graduated from Princeton High School in 1947. He served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean Conflict and received an honorable discharge. He was an active member of First United Methodist Church. He was also a member of Great Lake Naval Air Base Fire Department for eight years, Masonic Lodge 587 in Princeton and Tabala Shriners in Rockford. He served as president of four NAPA Auto Parts stores for 40 years, Princeton Fire Chief for 20 years, Princeton Township Supervisor for 18 years and a Bureau County Board Member for 14 years. He also served as president for the Princeton Rural Fire Protection District and was a trustee for many years. He was an executive committee member of United Counties Council of Illinois, a member of Civil Defense, FEMA-Emergency Management Institute and was active in Bureau County Emergency Services Disaster Agency (ESDA). He received a Certificate of Award from the Daughters of the American Revolution. He was also an amateur radio operator for 40 years and received his private pilot license in 1945. Dick is survived by his wife of 56 years, Janice Heaton of Princeton; four daughters, Pastor Dr. Diane Heaton of California, Susan Heaton of Frankfort, Karen Heaton of Iowa and Elizabeth “Beth” Heaton of Princeton; six grandchildren, Joshua Heaton-Olinger, Dustin Heaton-Hale, Hope Rutledge, Richard M. Heaton, Alexander Heaton and Hannah Heaton; one great-grandchild, Devin Olinger; and one brother, H. Clifford (Jane) Heaton of Urbana. He is also survived by his faithful companion, his dog, Zoie. He was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents. Services will be at 10 a.m. Friday at the Norberg Memorial Home, Princeton, with the Rev. Thomas Ostrander and Pastor Dr. Diane Heaton officiating. Burial will follow in Oakland Cemetery, Princeton. The family will receive friends from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday at the Norberg Memorial Home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Princeton Fire Department and the First United Methodist Church of Princeton. Online condolences may be left at www.norbergfh.com.

Richard Lowell Heaton

December 31, 1928 - September 19, 2011