Adna "Russell" Heaton, Jr.
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Adna Russell Heaton, Jr. passed away on January 22, 2021, after a 10-year journey with MSA Parkinsonism. Russ was an amazing, loving and talented husband, father, and grandfather. He is survived by his wife Linda; two married children, Joan & Gardner; their spouses Andrew & Michelle and four grandchildren, Matt, Owen, Winter, & Jackson. Family, friends, palliative care and hospice helped him through these last months. He learned to look for the gifts of life and love in each day. Russ said: "Don't cry because I am gone, sing because I was here".
Russell was born on February 24, 1937 to Helen & Russell Heaton. He spent his formative years in Poughkeepsie, NY and then attended Middlebury College in Vermont and graduated with a degree in History in 1960. In 1961 Russell attended Officer Candidate School in Newport, RI. He became the Gunnery Officer aboard the John W. Weeks. After steaming the equivalent of four times around the world he was released from active duty in April 1964. In 1963 Russell married Deborah Wetmore. They lived in Poughkeepsie, NY where Russ became a partner in Luckey, Waterman & Heaton Inc. Deborah and Russell moved to Vermont and eventually divorced. Russell married Linda Liston in 1978. In 1999 he retired from Property Management, Inc. Russ and Linda settled in Bayfield, CO to enjoy western sun and snow. Russell spent 15 years rebuilding their Bayfield home. When maintenance became too much, Russ and Linda moved to an ADA home in the Estancia development.
Russell recently progressed to hospice care and died peacefully at home. Per his wishes, no funeral or memorial will be held. Donations can be sent to: Mercy Home Health & Hospice of Mercy, 175 Mercado Street, Suite 131, Durango, CO 81301.