Beginning in 1956, Joe served in the Air Force. He came to San Antonio, Texas twice, then to Denison, Texas, and finally to Perrin Air Force Base. He married Katherine (Ray) June 7, 1958, and they were married for 60 years. He was a manager for White's Auto Stores in Fort Worth for 12 years.
In 1969 Joe entered the UMC Ministry and graduated from Oral Roberts University and Brite Divinity School TCU. He pastored in churches in Oklahoma and Texas. Joe retired in 2000 and moved back to Denison, Texas where he pastored a church in Denison and one in Savoy, Texas.
Joe fought several illnesses for the last ten years. He fought the good fight and God would say, "Well done my good and faithful servant."
He is survived by his wife Katherine Heaton of Denison; daughter, Robin Heaton of Denison; brothers Charles Heaton and wife Pat of Bessemer, Alabama, Gerald Heaton and wife Lynn of Bessemer, Alabama, and Ronnie Heaton and wife Terri of Denison, Texas; daughter-in-law Judy Heaton of Denison; grandchildren Joshua Heaton and Taylor, and Lindsay Heaton; and great-grandchildren Dylan, Lucas, and Margot.
Joe is preceded in death by his parents and son Terry Heaton.
Friends and family can pay their respects at the visitation on Wednesday, June 27 from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. at Bratcher Funeral Home, Denison, Texas. The funeral service will be at 2:00 pm at Bratcher Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Lou Williams officiating and Horace Groff assisting. Burial will follow at Ravenna Cemetery in Ravenna, Texas.
We wish to thank Texoma Medical Center for their good care, and Dr. Angela Latham and Dr. Faridi at Cancer Center and Shana at Texoma Medical Center Home Health.
Personal condolences may be made at www.bratcherfuneralhome.com
