Richard Allen Heaton

Richard Allen Heaton was born in Twin Falls, Idaho, on Oct. 18, 1945, to Allen and Etta Heaton. He flew to Alaska in his father's small plane in 1957. After high school, he went to real-estate school and started selling land. He worked in the grocery business in Twin Falls, Idaho, and also in Anchorage and Wasilla, Alaska. He was an avid farmer and raised hogs. He owned Perky Pig Farms here in the Valley.

He loved to take his grandchildren fishing and teach them how to tie their own flies. He also enjoyed hikes in the woods and telling his grandchildren stories. They adored him. Listening to music was a favorite past-time; old country and western and songs from the 50s and 60s were his favorites.

He is preceded in death by his mother and father, sister Linda and brother Raymond. He is survived by his wife, Vosella (Vosie) Heaton of 37 years. He is also survived by his sisters, AlEtta Carter, Jeanie Jones, Beverly McAtee and Cathy Steik; and brother, Jim Heaton; sons, Rodney Heaton, Richard Heaton, Randall Heaton; and daughter, Robin Heaton Holland; stepchildren, Pauli Kay Olsen, Donald Jay Barnhart, Kenny Ray Barnhart and Benny Clay Barnhart. He has 23 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.