William P. Heaston

William P. Heaston

May 2, 1943 – February 24, 2020

 

Bill was born and raised in Omaha, the oldest of 8 children born to William R. and Eleanor Lynch Heaston.  He graduated from Our Lady of Lourdes grade school and spent the next 11 years educated by Jesuits at Creighton Prep, University and Law School.  All 4 institutions remained near and dear to his heart, producing life-long friendships.  An Army ROTC graduate, he was commissioned into the Army JAG Corps in 1968.  He went to Vietnam September 1968 with the 101st Abn. Div.  Struck by Cupid’s arrow, he met Red Cross Donut Dollie, Dorris Hecht from Baltimore, in July 1969 when she arrived at Camp Eagle, VN.  The couple married April 4, 1970 and Bill continued his military career.

Children John and Rita were born during assignment to Frankfurt Germany.  Eileen was born while Bill taught at USMA West Point, NY and Ben was born in Anchorage, AK.  Bill retired from the military in 1986 and the family moved to Omaha where Bill joined the Legal Department of US West.  Next stop Denver then on to Sioux Falls, South Dakota where Bill started at DTG Communications and finished his career at SDN Communications.  Bill permanently retired November 2016 and returned to Omaha to enjoy family and friends.  In July 2019 he was diagnosed with a Stage 4 Glioblastoma Brain Tumor.  Bill’s kindness, generosity, faith, and strength of character generated new friendships at every location.

Throughout the years, Bill coached kids’ soccer and baseball.  He mentored refugees, participated in Perpetual Adoration, volunteered on Parish Council, coached Mock Trial and contributed to his communities.  He taught his children to ski because he loved to ski.  There are many memories and stories of family ski trips and later there would be ski trips with grandchildren.  There were lots of family road trips visiting friends and relatives, listening to Patsy Cline and Neil Diamond and playing Trivial Pursuit in the car.  Bill and Dorris traveled and enjoyed attending annual meetings with RAJA (Retired Army Judge Advocates) and ARCOA (American Red Cross Overseas Association) throughout the U.S.

Those left to mourn are those whose lives he touched including his loving wife Dorris; children: John (Lori Umstead), Rita Clark (Mick), Ben (Nicole Dagerman) all of Omaha and Eileen (Luke Bird) of Anchorage AK and the 10 grandchildren he adored.  He is also survived by siblings: Patrick (Ramona) of Des Moines, Margaret Rumford (William) Pender Island, B.C., Elaine, Jeanne and George (Patricia) of Omaha; sisters-in-law, Vera Heaston, Carmel and Rita Robertson (Sam) Cincinnati; plus nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents, in-laws, and brothers Dr. Timothy Heaston, DDS and Harve B. Heaston.

Family will receive friends Sunday, March 1st from 3pm to 5pm, at the West Center Chapel followed by VIGIL SERVICE at 5pm.  MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: Monday, March 2nd, 10:30am, Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church (2110 S. 32nd Ave.) with Military Honors by Millard Am. Legion Post 374 and VFW Post 8334.  In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Siena/Francis House, Mercy High School or Our Lady of Lourdes School Endowment Fund.

 

 

18 Comments

  • Lori Nelson Posted February 25, 2020 1:02 pm

    Our Colorado family is sending love and strength to the Heastons. You are in our thoughts during this difficult time.

  • David and Celene Kafton Posted February 25, 2020 2:55 pm

    Our thoughts and prayers for you and your family.

  • Julie Krull Posted February 26, 2020 9:27 am

    Dorris and Family,

    I am so sorry to hear about Bill. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers. I still miss you here in Sioux Falls, Dorris.

  • Mason & Judy Smith Posted February 26, 2020 9:31 am

    Our deepest thoughts and most sincere prayers are sent to the greater Heaston family, and especially to you Doris, as we sadly grieve your loss.

  • Cheryl & Dave Bubolz Posted February 26, 2020 2:05 pm

    We send our love and prayers to you, Dorris, and to your family at this time of great loss. Hold each other close and cherish the love Bill had for you all. With love, Cheryl & Dave

  • Charles/Janet Bonney Posted February 26, 2020 3:29 pm

    Dear Dorris and all of the Heaston family. We are with all of you in thoughts and prayers. Over the many years we have shared in myriad ways, Bill was always such a wonderful part of it all. That will not end and he is with us forever. Dorris, you have always been so caring of Bill but the manner in which you have helped him on this part of his journey has been nothing short of magnificent. Thanks so much for tending to him as you have done and for giving that same love to all of your family and friends. We look forward to being with you again. Blessings and love, Charles and Janet

  • Dave and Daly Schreck Posted February 27, 2020 4:32 pm

    Dorris,
    Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Bill will be deeply missed by his RAJA family. With love.

  • Chris & Alan Amdahl Posted February 27, 2020 8:44 pm

    Dorris, we are so sad to hear of Bill’s passing. Truly a remarkable, fun man. We so enjoyed building your Sious Falls home years ago and working on Bill’s Acres. Rest in Peace Bill, our condolences to you and your entire family.

  • Bob Petersen Posted February 29, 2020 8:51 am

    My condolences . He was a unique guy.

  • Lynne Norton Posted February 29, 2020 11:47 am

    So very sorry. He amd I had many chuckles during our time at SDN and he was a kind, fair, and brilliant human being. May peace come to you thru memories.

  • Gloria Houle Posted February 29, 2020 4:37 pm

    My sympathy and caring thoughts are with you, Dorris, and your family. I am so sorry to read of Bill’s death. I miss getting to visit with you, Dorris. I hope you are surrounded with love and support at this difficult time.

  • Judy Donahue Posted March 1, 2020 7:59 am

    Dorris,
    I am so sorry about the loss of Bill. He was a very nice guy. I always enjoyed visiting with him. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.

  • Patti and Richard Cacioppo Posted March 1, 2020 10:47 am

    We are so sorry for your loss. We are so honored to have been a part of your Families friendships. We will miss Bill but have his family who will always be there to keep him in our thoughts and prayers as well as all of you.

  • Melvina Newman Posted March 1, 2020 4:09 pm

    Dorris, I am sorry to hear of the loss of Bill. My sympathy and thoughts are with you and your family. May your many memories bring you peace.

  • Tom and Carolyn Schwarte Posted March 1, 2020 7:08 pm

    Bill and I were school friends. It was so nice to catch up with him in the last couple of years. We pray for you all as you must miss him so much.

  • Melinda Pendino Posted March 19, 2020 9:15 pm

    Please know I just learned of this journey today from a DD. She didn’t know that Bill and I shared Omaha roots that go back to the area where our grandparents lived in Omaha. Bill was always kind, with a twinkle in his eye, saying something astute or funny. I am so sorry for this loss.

  • Profound Posted June 11, 2020 8:08 pm

    Tuna

  • Tasty Posted December 13, 2020 4:12 am

    Gorgeous

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