Weldon William Heaton

Weldon William Heaton, 101, passed away on Wednesday, December 21, 2022, at his home in Hurricane, Utah. He was born on April 30, 1921, to Joseph William and Amelia Carroll Heaton. He was the youngest of ten children. Weldon was born, lived and passed away within a few blocks in Hurricane. Weldon married Vivian Sullivan in the St. George temple on June 20, 1946. They were blessed with six wonderful children, Royale, Andre, Maria, Teresa, Shawn and Tory. From an extremely young age Dad was passionate about horses. He remembers being so small he had to climb a fence to get on the back of the horse so he could ride. He rode as much as he could all around Hurricane and the surrounding area. He kept horses, trained them and was a self-taught farrier. He loved being outdoors and in nature, gardening and working with animals of all kinds. In fact, he kept goats the last few years just so he had something to get up for in the morning. After graduating from high school, Dad joined the National Guard to help pay for college expenses. While serving in that capacity World War II began and he transitioned into the army. He served with the 351st Engineers in Europe until the end of the war. He was honorably discharged in October of 1945. He was truly one of the greatest generations. Dad returned home to Hurricane after the war where he married and raised his family in the best part of Utah. He worked for the Utah Department of Transportation and retired at 65. He commented once that he collected his retirement check for more years than he had actually worked. For the past few years, he received a letter from the Utah Retirement System that required him to go before a notary to prove that he was still alive. After he retired, he did all the things he loved to do full time. He kept himself busy taking care of his horses and other livestock. He gardened and found ways to help his family, friends, and neighbors. He attributed his longevity to his love of gardening. It kept him busy, and he loved sharing his produce. He was healthy, lived alone since mom passed and took care of himself until the very end. Dad loved his family and the gospel of Jesus Christ. He was such a great example to all of us: of being faithful, doing hard things, having a positive attitude, and serving others. We love you Dad! “Well done and still a-Heaton.” Our family is so grateful for all who helped dad in any way. Our extended family (his nieces and nephews) and his dear friends who provided loving companionship, food and so many other kind acts of service. Thank you! Weldon is survived by three children, Teresa (Kris) Gubler, Shawn (Kim) Heaton, Tory (Setema) Gali, twenty-six grandchildren, seventy-six great-grandchildren, thirteen great-great grandchildren and three sister-in-law’s, Gay Egley, Mary Jane Bleak and Sally Sullivan. He was preceded in death by his companion of 72 years, Vivian, three children, Royale, Andre, Maria and his grandson Scott Tonioli. In lieu of flowers the family requests that you make a donation to Latter-day Charities of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- day Saints. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 7, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. at the Hurricane 5th ward chapel, 274 S 100 W Hurricane Utah. A visitation will be held at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be at Hurricane City cemetery. Military honors will be provided by UT Post 0100.

Weldon William Heaton

April 30, 1921 - December 21, 2022