Harold Heaton passed away at the age of 92, leaving behind a lifetime of memories, laughter, and love. Harold touched the lives of countless people. He was known as a friend to everyone he met and was a cherished member of his family and community. He left a lasting impression on all who had the privilege of knowing him, and his memory will continue to live on in our hearts.
Harold was a man of many hobbies and talents, and he found great joy in sharing them with others. He enjoyed playing the guitar, and whenever someone asked him to play, he would either strum and sing a tune he made up on the spot or delight everyone with his old favorites, jingle bells or happy birthday to me-no matter the time of year. At Christmas time he looked forward to dressing up as Santa Claus and handing out candy to children at the fire station, bringing smiles to little kids’ faces. Harold also found joy in woodworking, spending countless hours creating handmade plant holders and wooden boxes for the people he loved. Each piece was one of a kind, thoughtfully crafted with his own hands. These gifts became cherished keepsakes, treasured not for their perfection or monetary value, but because they were expressions of affection from a pure heart.
Harold served his communities with pride. He was made honorary fire chief in both Glouster and Roseville, and he carried those responsibilities with dedication and commitment. For 60 years, he was a familiar participant in the Old Settlers Reunion Parade, a Labor Day tradition he cherished. In recognition of his decades of faithful involvement, he was named Grand Marshall in 2023, which was an exciting moment in his life. Harold was indeed a “Labor Day Legend”. Into his late 80s, Harold remained engaged in his community, working at Passion Works Studio in Athens, Ohio. There, he found joy in creating art and being around people.
Harold’s life was shaped by the love and guidance of his family. He was taught the value of hard work and the importance of knowing right from wrong, and though he inherited an ornery streak, he showed a natural, effortless tendency for goodness toward everyone. Harold was beloved by family and friends because he was fun to be around and made people smile and laugh without even trying, just by being himself. He was a guy’s guy and in his younger years, spent time on the weekends going hunting, on road trips, or hanging out in the garage with his buddies. Age didn’t stop Harold. He rode his bicycle well into his 70s; he was remarkably fit and admired for his endless energy. He proved age is mindset, not a number.
Perhaps what made Harold so special is that everyone has their own “Harold story”. Watching Harold live his life-simply by being Harold-brought those around him immeasurable joy and reminded us all of our better nature and the goodness that lies within each of us. His laugh, energy, playful teasing, handmade gifts, and unwavering friendship gave us memories we will cherish forever. While we will miss him deeply, we are grateful for the years he shared with us, the lessons he taught us, and for a life so well lived.
Harold is survived by a sister, Joy Hooper of Jacksonville, Ohio; a brother, Gail Heaton of North Canton, Ohio; 17 nieces and nephews; 28 great nieces and nephews; and several great-great nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Cassius Marion Heaton and Jenny Wade Heaton; brothers, Dean Chappelear, William Floyd Heaton, and Harry Heaton; sisters, Edythe Davis, Charlene Ruth Chappelear, and Jaunita Handa; brothers-in-law, Dow Davis and Robert Hooper; sisters-in-law, Evelyn Chappelear and Mary Heaton.
A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday July 25, 2026, at the Morrison Funeral with Kim White officiating. Interment will be in the East Branch Cemetery, Morgan County. A visitation will take place on Saturday from 11 a.m. until the time of service. A message of comfort may be sent to the family by visiting www.morrisonfc.com.