Homer E. Heaton

Homer Emanuel Heaton, 91, of Geneseo, passed away at his home on Wednesday, July 16, 2025. Visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 p.m. on Monday, July 21, 2025, at Vandemore Funeral Home & Crematory-Geneseo Chapel. A Recitation of the Rosary will be held at 4:30 p.m., before the visitation. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at St. Malachy Catholic Church at 10:30 a.m., with Father Daniel Gifford officiating. He will be laid to rest at Oakwood Cemetery, Geneseo.  Memorials may be directed to the Honor Flights of the Quad Cities (honorflightqc.org), St Malachy's Catholic Church or the Henry Co. Humane Society.

Homer was born on October 22, 1933, in Geneseo, Illinois, to Leroy and Mabel (Peterson) Heaton. A beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Homer lived a full and vibrant life dedicated to family, community, and service. A proud graduate of Geneseo High School, class of 1952, Homer married his beloved Dorothy Hanson on April 11, 1953, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Fulton, Illinois. Their 72-year partnership was filled with love, laughter, and shared passions, including dancing together.

In June 1953, Homer was drafted into the United States Army during the Korean Conflict. He completed basic training at Fort Riley, Kansas, and served 19 months in Firth Bay, Germany, before returning home in May 1955. Settling in Geneseo with Dorothy and their daughter, Pattie, Homer resumed his career at John Deere Harvester Works in East Moline, where he worked diligently for 37 years until his retirement in June 1989. His love for connecting with others led him to return as a tour guide at John Deere, a role he cherished for the opportunity to meet new people and share his enthusiasm.

Homer was a devoted member of St. Malachy Catholic Church, where he served as an usher and was a proud member of the Knights of Columbus. His commitment to his community extended to memberships in the Geneseo Moose, Geneseo Country Club, Geneseo Community Center, and the American Legion Post 724. On August 29, 2013, Homer was honored to participate in the Honor Flight to Washington, D.C., an experience he treasured deeply.

A man of joy and connection, Homer loved spending time with his family, including his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and took great pride in attending their activities. His passions included dancing with Dorothy, golfing, and gathering with friends. Homer’s warmth and kindness left an indelible mark on all who knew him.

Homer is survived by his wife, Dorothy Heaton of Geneseo; daughter, Patty (Fred) Priester of Long Grove, IA; sons, Michael (Carrie) Heaton of Geneseo, Greg (Kim) Heaton of Geneseo, and Doug (Melissa) Heaton of Woolridge, MO; grandchildren, Tim Washburn, Toby Washburn, Jaime (Ryan) Dyer, AJ Washburn, Linley (Brett) Stees, Landon Heaton, Kelsey (Jeff) Amman, Justin (Kaitlyn) Heaton, Kyle (Kate) Heaton, Joshua Heaton, Robyn (Alex) Smith, Kara (Jon) Palmer, Paige (Chris) Fleener, and Peter (Jac) Priester; great-grandchildren, Jacob, Mackinzie, Bianca, Scarlett, Peyton, Jordan, Mason, Jackson, Kane, Brielle, Jack, Natalie, Peter, Mia, Ben, Jane, Poppy, Rosalie, Ava, Bennett, Carter, Henry and one on the way with one great-great grandchild also on the way; siblings, Rollin Heaton, Berniece Unzel, Wanda (Bob) Edwards, and Barb (Dave) York.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Leroy and Mabel Heaton; brother, Wayne Heaton; sister, Eloise Ingram; and brothers-in-law, Larry Ingram and Merle Unzel; and sister-in-law, Peggy Heaton.