Roderick “Rod” HeatonRoderick “Rod” Heaton
Roderick A. “Rod” Heaton, 86, of Godfrey, formerly of Springfield and Rushville, died at 5:56 p.m. Sept. 30, 2018, at Robings Manor Rehabilitation and Health Care in Brighton.
He was born July 16, 1932, in Rushville, a son of Loren and Elaine Rose Heaton. He married Patricia Burnside on Jan. 27, 1952, in Rushville. She preceded him in death on Jan. 27, 2013.
He also was preceded in death by one brother, Larry Heaton.
Surviving are three daughters, Vickie Johnson of Houston, Texas, Diana Albrecht of Medora and Judy Barton of Jacksonville; one sister, Rosalie Carlo of Jacksonville, Fla.; five grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.
He grew up in Rushville where his parents farmed.
He was in the Navy from March 3, 1952, where he served in the Korean War. He was honorably discharged on Feb. 24, 1956.
He joined the Springfield Fire Department in 1960 as a firefighter. He was promoted to driver engineer in 1966 and to captain in 1975. He became an assistant fire marshall in 1980 and served in the fire safety division. He retired as deputy division chief in 1986. He was a member of the American Kennel Association and a member and volunteer at Woodside Methodist Church in Springfield. He also volunteered at Memorial Hospital in Springfield. He raised and trained English Setter and Pointer dogs and also trained them at Gunsmoke Kennels.
Memorial services will be held at 3:30 p.m. Friday at the Worthington Funeral Home in Rushville with Rev. Randy McGeehon officiating. Visitation will be held from 2 p.m. until the time of services. Inurnment will be in the Rushville City Cemetery at a future date to be determined by the family.
Condolences may be sent to www.worthingtonfh.com.
Current Obituaries in the Astoria South Fulton Argus