HEATON, William Clayton, formerly of Weirton, WV, passed away peacefully at his home in Port St. Lucie, FL on Friday, January 4, 2013. Clayton was born in Springfield, TN, on March 14, 1922, to the late Lloyd and Annie Lou (Morgan) Heaton. Clayton was also preceded in death by sisters Ann Lloyd Stuart and Minnie Mae Webster and brother Hiram Ralph Heaton.
He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Maudelee (Scott) Heaton; daughter Judi (Jim) Recht of Dover, CO; son Don (Robyn) Heaton of Wellsburg, WV and daughter Patty Williams of Port St. Lucie, FL. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Marc (Erica) Recht of Wellesley Hills, MA, Tracy (Will) Daniels of Durango, CO, Ami (Ted) Dodd of Wheeling, WV, Joshua Heaton of Wellsburg, WV, Jason (Nicole) Williams of Pittsburgh, PA, Heather (John) Halfhill of Springfield, VA and Chad Williams (Bethany Huff) of Mars, PA, and 10 great-grandchildren.
In 1941, he graduated from Follansbee High School. Clayton was truly a member of the greatest generation, serving as a pilot of the 463rd Bomb Group, flying out of Foggia, Italy during WWII. He earned a Purple Heart for being wounded when his plane and crew were heavily fired upon over Germany. He also received 5 Bronze Stars, the Air Medal, European Operations Ribbon, 2 Oak Leaf Clusters and a legislative citation from the State of WV recognizing that he had been nominated for the Distinguished Flying Cross.
He worked as an electrician in the power house of Weirton Steel for 45 years. He was a member of both Memorial and First Baptist Church in Weirton. He served as both a deacon and financial secretary for the First Baptist Church. He was a member of the Elks, Moose, VFW, American Legion, Weirton Steel 25-Year Club and Four Score Seniors. He loved reading, completing crossword puzzles, entertaining and traveling.
Arrangements are at the convenience of the family. A memorial service will be held at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be made to a favorite veteran's organization or a hospice donation to William and Helen Thomas Counseling Center, 5000 Dunn Road, Ft. Pierce, FL 34981.
Mr. Heaton's final arrangements are under the direction of Greco-Hertnick Funeral Home, 3219 Main Street, Weirton, WV.
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www.grecohertnick.com.
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