Russell Garfield Heaton

Russell Garfield Heaton passed away at home on June 3, 2015 due to complications of lung cancer, surrounded by his loving family. 

He was preceded in death by parents, Sarah and Arthur Heaton; brother, James Marshall Heaton; and sister, Millie Heaton. Survived by sister, Ruth (Frank) Whited; and brother, Walter (Carzel) Heaton. Left to cherish the memories of his youth is his first wife, Dolores (Jack) Walsh and their children, Joan (John) Hartney and David (Michele) Heaton; grandchildren, Jackie Henkel and Brian (Brittany) Hartney. Left to tend to his garden is his wife of 41 years, Theresa (Szekely) Heaton and their daughters, Carrie (Troy) O’Neil and Tricia Heaton. Hay rides will be missed by his younger grandchildren, Courtney, Sydney and Daisy McClelland, Finley and Declan O’Neil; and great-grandsons, Gavin Henkel and Liam Hartney. 

Russ attended Springfield High School, served his country for eight years in the U.S. Air Force then continued his education at Akron U. He retired from Akron General Medical Center IT department in 2000. An avid gardener, Russ enjoyed planting gourds then turning them into beautiful bird houses to give away to friends. He was past president of the Akron Men’s Garden Club. Russ was proud that all four of his children inherited his love of gardening.

Family and friends will be received Monday, from 4 to 8 p.m., and Tuesday, from 10 to 11 a.m. at Hopkins Lawver Funeral Home, 547 Canton Road (Route 91), Akron, Ohio 44312, where funeral service will be held Tuesday, 11 a.m. with Rev. Dr. John M. Schluep officiating. Burial will take place Wednesday, 12:45 p.m. at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery, where Firestone VFW Post 3383 will conduct military rites. The family suggests memorials to First Congregational Church of Tallmadge, 85 Heritage Drive, Tallmadge, OH 44278.