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Charles ‘Chuck’ Cletis Heaton
11/07/1935 — 03/12/2009
From Kennewick, WA, US | Born in Everton, Missouri
Charles ‘Chuck’ Cletis Heaton
Charles Chuck Cletis Heaton of Kennewick, born to Charles T. and Lucy V. Coleman Heaton on November 07, 1935 in Everton Missouri, died March 12, 2009 at Hospice House in Kennewick, he was 73. Chuck's family moved to Kennewick in 1947 for a brief period and then back to Everton where Chuck graduated High School in 1953. After graduation he served as a Marine in the Armed Forces. Chuck was home on leave from Okinawa, Japan, when he met Martha C. Marti Seaboalt. Chuck and Marti were married in Kennewick on May 30, 1957; Chuck has since lived in the Tri-Cities. Chuck was in the dairy industry as a self-employed milkman for 20 years. He was semi-retired in 1980 and then employed with the city of West Richland until his retirement in 1998. Chuck was an avid stockcar racer and raced the local and NASCAR circuits for 11 years. Chuck, known as the "Racing Milkman" #99 has a credit of 150 + wins to his name, a passion that he never lost. Chuck took a year off from racing and spent that year camping with his family throughout the northwest. Chuck owned and operated Gold Rush Mining Supplies in West Richland. He enjoyed sharing his love of gold prospecting with his children and grandchildren. Chuck and Marti raised their three children, Charles Cletis Heaton Jr., Patricia Lynn Eldredge, and Gary Brian Heaton in West Richland. Chuck loved the fact that his children and grandchildren could never beat him at checkers or monopoly. He was very proud of his family and never missed any of his grandchildren's birthdays. Chuck was also a member of Lost Dutchmen's Mining Association, and Gold Prospectors Association of America. He is survived by; son Charles Jr., daughter Patricia, son Gary Michelle Gerard, grandchildren Jeramy Santos, Erica Santos, Nicholas Santos, Charles C. Heaton III, Cameron Heaton, Ryan Gerard, eight great-grandchildren, step-mother Frances Opal Heaton of Olympia, brother's Brad Heaton of California, William Heaton of Pasco, James Heaton of California, and sisters Wilda Sharp and Linda Gilmore, both of Kennewick, special aunt Alma Winkle, and cousin Jake Heaton and numerous nephews, nieces and cousins. Chuck was preceded in death by his father Charles, mother Lucy, brother Victor Heaton and sister Judy Harmon and special friend Dona Nogle.
A memorial service for Chuck will be held March 18, 2009 at Einan's Event Center at 10:30 am.
TO CHUCKS FAMILY WE WANTED TO SAY WE ARE SORRY FOR YOUR LOST. WE LIKED CHUCK VERY MUCH. IAM DONA’S SISTER. WHEN I WORKED AT BUTTERYS CHUCK AND DONA CAME IN THE STORE AND BACK TO THE DELI WHERE I WORKED TO SAY HI. I PLAYED CRIBBAGE WITH THEM OFTEN ALSO. HE WAS MY E MAIL FRIEND I MISS HIS E MAIL’S I CALLED HIM THE FIRST PART OF JANUARY.
SO SORRY I MISS HIS E MAILS. CAROL AND LANCE
I don’t know your family but I would just like to let you know that I will always have fond memories as a teenager going to Tri-City Raceway and watching Chuck, Charlie Bigelow, Don Dowdy, Rudy Tomich and Loyd Petty, to name a few, give an exciting race around the track. I am sincerely sorry for your loss. Remember the good times and hold those memories close to your heart and they will last a lifetime.
My deepest condolences to the family. Chuck was a great guy. I have many fond memories of Chuck’s racing, first in a ’53 Olds jalopy, then on the dirt at Sunnygrand, then his Nascar Charger. He was always happy to lend a hand, a part, advice or a smile to anyone.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult time.
Chuck was a wonderful person and it was a pleasure to have known him.
Chuch interduced our youngest Brianto working on cars, he had a shop next to us when we ran the D & R feed and grain. Delivered mild to us for a long time and was a very good friend. He will be missed by all.
The Barnett family.
Some of my fondest memories growing up was watching my father, Fat Fred Bernier Car 22 at the races along with Chuck. May your cherished memories bring you comfort and peace during this difficult time.
Sorry to hear of your loss. I grew up two houses down from your family in W.Richland. Chuck was a wonderful family friend and he will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Guestbook for
Charles ‘Chuck’ Cletis Heaton