Charles William Heaton

Jan. 22, 1926 - April 26, 2009

HENDERSONVILLE, N.C. -- On April 26, 2009, Charles William (Bill) Heaton entered into eternal peace in Hendersonville, N.C.

His parents, Ollie and Temple Heaton and his wife of 59 years, Rita Marie Heaton, preceded him in death.

He is survived by his second wife, Joann Gier Heaton and seven children, Stephen Heaton, Janine Dieterich, Donna Gier Henrichs, Floyd Gier, Paul Gier, Teresa Gier Frady, and Shawn Roberts; 19 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and a close friend of the family, Gary Killen.

Bill was born Jan. 22, 1923, in Indianola, Neb., and worked for the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy (CB&Q) Railroad/Burlington Northern Railroad for 40 years. After retirement, Bill and Rita traveled across the United States and Canada for 15 years in their motor home.

They settled in Citrus Ridge, Fla., where Rita passed away May 21, 2001. He married Joann Gier Oct. 12, 2001, and continued to reside in central Florida. In 2002, Bill and Joann moved to Hendersonville.

Bill was a kind, gentle man who never met a stranger. He had a song in his heart and a sprint in his step.

In 1941, Bill received a Superior Award in a voice contest in Indianola. Bill's love and appreciation of music continued throughout his life. He had a song for every occasion and would spontaneously whistle or sing a tune on a moment's notice.

In his later years, Bill made a list of more than 100 songs that he knew all the words, but his favorite was "Danny Boy." He was a loyal University of Nebraska "Cornhusker" fan and rarely missed watching their games.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests any donation in remembrance of Bill be sent to Four Seasons Hospice and Palliative Care, 571 South Allen Road, Flat Rock, NC 28731.

Cards will may be sent to Jan Dieterich, 10101 Bluff Dr. Huntsville, AL 35803.

Notice courtesy of Carpenter Breland Funeral Home.