Bill R. Heaton

Bill R. Heaton, 73, of Wappapello, Mo., passed away Monday, Dec. 12, 2016 at John J. Pershing VA Medical Center in Poplar Bluff.

Bill, the son of the late William Heaton, Sr. and Clara M. Pediford Heaton, was born Oct. 20, 1942 in Sikeston, Mo. He was of the Baptist faith and had retired from law enforcement as Chief Deputy under Sheriff Link and served as Butler County Sheriff for four years. He proudly served his country in the United States Army, where he served in Vietnam. Bill was awarded a Bronze Star, a Silver Star and a Letter of Accommodation. He was a member of the Wappapello V.F.W. and Eagles Lodge and was a member of the National and Missouri Sheriff’s Association from 1991 to 1997.

Survivors include a son, Tony R. (Pam) Heaton of Wappapello; a daughter, Jamie L.(David) Jenkins of Poplar Bluff; four grandchildren, Michael (Rhonda) Heaton, Sarah (Jesse) Flores, Casey (Jessica) Heaton and Shelby (Cody) Coleman;four great-grandchildren: Audree Flores, Raylynn Heaton, Wesson Heaton and Beau Flores; four brothers; and six sisters.

The visitation will begin 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday at the Wappapello Cotrell Funeral Chapel, with the funeral service following at 1:30 p.m. Pastor Buddy Heaton will officiate. Burial with full military honors will be at 3 p.m. at Missouri State Veterans Cemetery in Bloomfield, Mo.