Melvin Lee Heaton

Melvin Lee Heaton, 71, of Williamsville, Mo., went to be with his Heavenly Father on March 29, 2020, at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center in Poplar Bluff, Mo. 

He was born September 10, 1948, in Bassett, Ark., to the late Carl and Fennie (Oakes) Heaton. He spent some of his childhood in Clarkton and Advance, Mo., before his family settled down at their farm on 53 Hwy in Poplar Bluff. He spent his early years farming. 

He graduated from Broseley High School in 1966. In 1967, Melvin married Velta Bailey, who survives. He was drafted into the U. S. Army to fight in the Vietnam War in 1969, where he was awarded the Purple Heart, a Bronze Star, a Silver Star while serving with the Delta Company 1st Battalion 7th Brigade 1st Infantry division and advanced to the rank of E-5 Sergeant. 

After his service to our country, Melvin and Velta moved to Williamsville in 1970, where he lived the remainder of his days. In 1975, they had a son, Jason. Melvin worked as a carpenter, a mechanic, and a C.B. repairman. 

He was an avid collector of two-cylinder John Deere model tractors. He enjoyed wood working, spending time with his family and friends, especially the time he spent with his only grandson, Christian. 

Melvin was of the Pentecostal faith and attended The First Gospel Lighthouse Church where he served as a Trustee and Sunday School Teacher. 

In 1997, Melvin was among several men to be inducted into the Inaugural Wall of Heroes at the V.A. Hospital in Poplar Bluff. The man known as Hilltopper on the C.B. was a well-known, well respected, and well-loved man that will be deeply missed by his family and friends. 

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by three brothers: CD Heaton, Gordon Bennett, Bucky Heaton; sisters: Sally Lemings and Donis Lemings. 

Melvin is survived by his loving wife of fifty-two years, his son Jason Heaton and wife Candy, his grandson, Christian Heaton, all of Williamsville; brother: Jack Heaton and wife Mary Sue of Poplar Bluff; sisters: Carolyn Aldrich, Bonnie Reed, Faye Honeycutt all of Poplar Bluff; and several nieces and nephews. 

A private funeral service was held Wednesday, April 1, 2020, at Ruegg Funeral Home, Greenville Chapel. Visitation followed, also in the Greenville Chapel. Bro. Troy Robinson ministered to the family. Bud Moddox, Tim McFadden, Trent Robinson, Jason Robinson, CD Heaton and Christian Heaton served as pallbearers. Burial was in Rucker Cemetery, Williamsville. 

Online condolences can be made at www.rueggfuneralhomes.com