Tony Heaton

Tony Lewis Heaton passed away on Wednesday, February 28, 2018 at the age of 82. He was born on July 24, 1935 an only son to Ruby Gourley Heaton and Olin A. Heaton in Jacksonville, Texas. Tony is survived by his loving wife of 60 years Erma, his daughter, Rebecca Heaton-Payne and her husband Cecil Payne of Corpus Christi, four cherished grandchildren, Kari Heaton, Krista Heaton, Kaycee Heaton and Kirby Heaton ,and many nieces and nephews. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather and good friend to many that knew him over the years. Tony was preceded in death by his parents, O.A. and Ruby, his daughter Vicky Lynn , his son Tony(Sonny) Lewis Heaton ,Jr. and daughter in law, Beverly Ann Heaton.He spent his early years growing up in Harlingen, Texas. He graduated from Peacock Military academy in San Antonio in 1953 and attended Texas A & I University in Kingsville. Tony met and married Erma in Corpus Christi in 1958. Tony was a member of Corpus Christi Police Department for 16 years as a motorcycle officer and as a plain clothes detective, then resigned to become a commercial fisherman running several shrimp boats locally. Later he sold his boats , traveled with his kids rodeoing all over Texas and then later worked with Erma and Sonny at Heaton Cotton Company. He was an avid outdoorsmen his entire life as long as his health permitted. He loved to hunt and fish, always grew a garden to provide family and friends with tomatoes, and enjoyed cooking for everyone.Tony was a long time supporter of the Nueces County Junior Livestock Show. The family would like to express sincere appreciation to Dr. Maggie Muniz for all the amazing care she provided for him over the years and always coming to our rescue many times. As well we would like to thank Dr.Charles Breeling, the doctors and nursing staff at Spohn South ICU and nursing staff at Post Acute South hospital for their kindness and care for him over past few months. Entombment was in the Memorial Park Mausoleum in Robstown, Texas on Friday, March 9,2018 at 1:00 p.m. A memorial service will be conducted on Saturday , March 17, 2018 at Sawyer- George Funeral Home at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the American Lung Association or charitable organization of your choice.