August L Headington

Gus Headington, a prominent Yuma resident and past coach, teacher, principal and school district superintendent, passed away January 13th, 2026 in Yuma at the age of 96. Born August LeMoyne Headington in Yuma, AZ in 1929, Gus was the oldest of five children of Freeman and Agnes (Gaffke) Headington. He attended Yuma High School, lettered in four sports and was the starting quarterback for the Yuma Criminals and was later inducted into the Yuma High School Hall of Fame. After HS, he attended the University of Northern Arizona in Flagstaff where he led the Lumberjacks through three seasons as quarterback. After graduating with a degree in Education/Administration, he started his career in coaching for various schools in Arizona and California, culminating with winning the California CIF state football championship in 1957 for Downy High School. After 30 years of coaching, teaching and administrative positions in California, it was the position of San Pasqual Valley School District Superintendent that brought him home to Yuma. His love and pride for the schools, the Quechan tribe, the employees and the students filled his heart in so many ways. After long passing retirement age, Gus finally tried to retire but was asked back by school districts to fill various positions three times. He always accepted as it was his nature to never pass up an opportunity to help any school or district when asked. His final position was serving as Yuma Union High School District Superintendent. Education was both his purpose and his passion and he was beloved by students, players, teachers and peers alike. Gus was always there when called and he made a significant impact on countless students lives.

Gus married his high school sweetheart, Rosalee Arnett in 1950. They raised six children, 4 girls and 2 boys in addition to raising Rosalee's younger brother. It was a loving and adventurous family and Gus was the type who would always lead by example. One always says positive things when someone passes but in Gus case, it just cannot be emphasized enough. He was an extraordinary person. Everyone who knew Gus had absolutely no doubts about his honesty, integrity and charitable nature. A kinder, gentler man would be difficult to find. Even in sports, although he was very competitive, he always competed at the highest levels with the utmost sportsmanship. He inspired his players, students, teachers, friends and family members with his discipline, sense of duty, work ethic and overall positive attitude. A devout Catholic all his life, there is no doubt he will be welcomed with open arms in heaven to join his beloved Rosalee.

Gus's wife of 63 years, Rosalee, passed away in 2013. Their oldest son, Mike Headington passed away in 2019 and Rosalee's younger brother, Jess Arnett, known by the family as Shorty, whom they helped raise, passed in 2007.

Gus is survived by five of his and Rosalee's children, Marsha House of Arroyo Grande, CA; Vicki Headington of Milltown, WI; Kathy Shill of La Palma, CA; Dale Headington of Henderson, NV and Paula Headington of Yuma, AZ. Gus is also survived by his sister, Louise Didero of San Jose, CA, and brother, Jerry Headington of Yuma, AZ (brothers Bill and Jim Headington of Yuma, AZ preceded him in death). Also surviving are six grandchildren, Chuck, James, Valerie, Kenny, Ashley and Coby, (a seventh, Anthony, passed away in 2022) in addition to 4 step-grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren and numerous nephews and nieces.

A memorial in Gus honor will be held on April 18th, 2026 from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm at The Church, 256 S. 1st Ave, Yuma, AZ. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be given in Gus Headington's memory to one of the following organizations which he supported: Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Yuma, Yuma Community Food Bank, Crossroads Mission in Yuma or Southwestern Palliative Care and Hospice in Yuma.