Jeffrey Alan Heaton

Jeffery Alan Heaton, loving husband, father, brother and friend transitioned from this mortal realm into the light of eternity on 7/12/18. Even though our hearts are broken from his untimely departure, we have no doubt that he was received with anticipation into the loving arms of his savior and his family on the other side of the veil. Jeff was the youngest son of Angus and Deloy Heaton. When Deloy was pregnant with Jeff the family was living in the Philippines where Angus was stationed in the military.

Jeff’s mom was anxious to have Jeff born in America as not to ruin his chances of becoming President of the United States. She was relieved when she found out that Angus would soon be transferred “state side.” On Christmas Day in 1965 Jeff was born in Charleston, South Carolina. After getting over the feeling that they were cheated out of Christmas, Jeff’s siblings considered his birth a precious Christmas gift. Jeff not only was a gift to his family, he came into this life with gifts of his own.

His family would eventually move back to Utah where Jeff grew up in West Valley City and Provo. He was a gifted athlete. Jeff enjoyed playing sports, excelling in baseball, football and basketball. Jeff was blessed with the gift of having a social and expansive personality. He preferred being surrounded by as many friends and loved ones as possible. True to his Capricorn nature, Jeff possessed the gift of altruism, selflessness, patience and persistence. These characteristics would serve him well during his LDS mission to Hartford, Connecticut. Jeff would follow his brother Randy into the tire business where he learned hard work and the value of serving others. Jeff had an entrepreneurial spirit that would lead him into several business ventures of his own.

Although Jeff often felt inadequate in his role as their father, Jeff loved his daughters Hunter and Skyler. He spoke of them often, expressing his pride and love for them. Jeff was often heard saying that his girls were his greatest accomplishment and joy. During the last year of his life, Jeff was earnestly striving to become a better person for the sake of his children. Whether it was in the mission field or helping others with their cars, Jeff enjoyed serving others. During the last few months of his life Jeff had the opportunity to dust off his missionary skills by helping to bring a young man from his Las Vegas ward to baptism. This was an experience that meant so much to Jeff. Because of his association with a group of Las Vegas angels, Jeff was given the beautiful gift of being ministered to. By allowing others to serve him, Jeff felt the true love of Christ and understood his commandment “ That ye love one another, as I have loved you” Because of this service, Jeff was reminded to look for ways and opportunities where he could help others.

During his time in the Las Vegas Silver Stone ward, he helped many families move into and out of the area. He helped with every ward function by setting up and taking down chairs. He was a regular face during the meeting house clean-up. He looked forward to strapping the vacuum cleaner to his back and hearing the Bishop tease him about looking like “one of the Ghost Busters.” Jeff did all this with a glad and grateful heart. In turn, Jeff also gifted those who served him with the joy, satisfaction, and feeling of purpose that comes from service.

Jeff had many weaknesses and he stumbled many times in his life, but it was through these trials that he taught many lessons and blessed the lives of others. Before Jeff left this earth he bestowed one last gift; he taught that loving and serving others is the greatest lesson we can learn in this life. We as Jeff’s family would like to thank the Silver Stone ward members. We know Jeff was meant to come into your lives for his benefit as well as yours. We know that you were in Jeff’s life to serve in God’s stead, becoming the Lord’s hands here upon the earth. Because of your Christ like ministering during the last year of Jeff’s life, he was able to find his way back to God, making it possible for Jeff to leave this earth knowing of God’s love for him.

Jeff left behind his wife Ashley (Wright) Heaton, Daughters Hunter Morgan Heaton, Skyler Heaven Heaton, three brothers, three sisters and many extended family who loved him very much. We cannot presume to understand why Jeff was taken from us so young. We can only trust in God’s plan, believing that Jeff’s gifts were needed on the other side.

Memorial Information for Las Vegas

Viewing

Palms funeral home

6701 North Jones BLVD

Las Vegas, NV

Friday 7/20/18

6:30-8:00p.m.

Viewing

LDS Meeting House

8755 Iron Mountain Rd.

Las Vegas, VN

Saturday 7/21/18

9:00-9:45 a.m.

Funeral

LDS Meeting House

8755 Iron Mountain Rd.

Las Vegas, NV

Saturday 7/21/18

10:00 a.m.

Memorial Service Information for Provo

Graveside Memorial Service

East Lawn Memorial Cemetery

4800 N. 650 E.

Provo, UT

Saturday 8/11/18

6:00 p.m.

Family and Friends welcome

Celebration of Life

Rock Canyon Park

Pavillion #2

2620 N. Foothill Dr.

Provo, UT

Saturday 8/11/18

7:00 – 9:00 p.m.

All who want to celebrate Jeff’s life are welcome