Ethan Hawkins Heatly

Ethan Hawkins Heatly, beloved son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin, and friend, passed away on July 16, 2025 into the loving arms of his Lord and Savior, after an almost two-year battle with cancer. He was 23 years old. Ethan was born on January 15, 2002, in Dallas, Texas.

Ethan had a strong moral compass and a sharp, curious mind. He loved a good debate and never backed down from a conversation about religion, politics, values, or big ideas. Ethan was a kind person with a servant’s heart. He loved people and always wanted to help others. In high school, he volunteered at the SPCA with his Mom, and he regularly donated blood.

As a boy, Ethan loved karate, playing the piano and spending time with his sister. He also had a love for the outdoors. Ethan was a member of BSA Troop 5 for nine years and an Eagle Scout. His father, Gene, served as one of his Scoutmasters and taught him marksmanship, which became one of Ethan’s lifelong passions. Ethan loved to shoot firearms and was adamant about proper gun safety. Ethan enjoyed fishing with his Dad and Grandfathers, especially in Venice, Louisiana. He usually caught either the biggest or the most fish out of everyone. Ethan also enjoyed building gaming computers and playing video games with his friends, either in person or online. Ethan had a great sense of humor, telling jokes or extemporaneously making up songs. While he loved outdoor activities and video games, nothing meant more to him than his relationship with his Lord.

Ethan accepted Christ as his Savior and was baptized on Easter of 2014 at Wilshire Baptist Church. He sang in the children’s and youth choirs, attended youth camps and summer choir trips, and served as an usher during worship services.

Ethan attended Bishop Dunne Catholic School where he was a member of the Archery Club, participated in drama performances and was involved in Campus Ministry. Ethan was passionate and deeply knowledgeable about theology and the history of the Church. He was adamantly pro-life and attended the March for Life Rally in Washington, D.C. during his Junior and Senior years. Ethan completed the Order of Christian Initiation for Adults through St. Elizabeth of Hungary Catholic Parish and joined the Church his Senior Year.

He graduated from Bishop Dunne Catholic School in 2020 and attended Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas from 2020 to 2023. During his time at Benedictine College, Ethan was a strong believer in the traditional Latin Mass and active in The Latin Mass Society, serving as its treasurer. He helped raise funds to purchase items necessary for the Latin Mass to be held on campus. He loved going on adventures and experiencing new things with his friends such as attending Mass at different Parishes or simply going someplace he had never been before. He also enjoyed participating in Pro-Life events and the Christian Movie Club in his dorm.

Ethan’s faith was a steady source of comfort and clarity as he faced the final chapter of his life with incredible courage. With his trademark empathy, Ethan was also concerned about the future and making the world a better place. He was fascinated by sustainability and renewable energy and had a dream of having a house that was completely self-sustaining. He didn’t just talk about sustainability, but he lived it. In February, he acquired his dream car, an electric vehicle and loved to drive around in it.

Ethan’s love ran deep for his family, his friends, and family dogs Parker, Sushi, and Penny, his Golden Retriever who came into his life thanks to the Nikolas Ritschel Foundation.

Ethan is survived by his parents, Gene and Rhonda Heatly of Dallas, TX; his sister, Kyra Heatly, and her husband Niels Appeldorn, of Austin, TX; his grandparents, Gene and Judy Heatly of Vernon, TX; Ann Gilliam and the late Bob Gilliam of Kingwood, TX and Jeanie Barton and the late Tommy Barton of Kingwood, TX. He is also deeply loved by several aunts and uncles and numerous cousins who will never forget his kind heart and strong spirit.

A Rosary will be recited at 6:00pm with Visitation from 6:30pm until 8pm on Thursday, July 24, 2025, at Sparkman/Hillcrest Funeral Home, 7405 W. Northwest Highway, Dallas, Texas 75225.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00am on Friday, July 25, 2025, at St. Elizabeth of Hungary Catholic Church, 4015 S. Hampton Road, Dallas, Texas, with a reception to follow.

Graveside Service will be held 2:00pm, Saturday, July 26, 2025 at the Old Home Cemetery in Joaquin, Texas in Shelby County.

In honor of Ethan’s life, memorials may be made to causes that were dear to Ethan, including the March for Life at https://marchforlife.org/give or the Nikolas Ritschel Foundation, at https://nikolasritschelfoundation.org/ which brought him comfort and companionship through Penny.

Ethan lived with quiet strength, deep faith, and true integrity. His life was far too short, but his example will stay with us always. We will carry you in our hearts forever.