Charles Lee “Chuck” Heaton

 

Charles Lee “Chuck” Heaton, 65, of Litchfield, passed away on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at 10:33 a.m. in HSHS St. Francis Hospital in Litchfield.

 

He was born on October 27, 1960, a son of Charles Irwin and Linda Louise (Byers) Heaton.

 

Chuck graduated from Litchfield High School with the Class of 1978.

 

He married Tammy Marie Kalaher and they later divorced. He married the former Pamela Marie Houlihan on April 17, 1989, in St. Louis, MO. She survives.

 

Chuck was self-employed and operated Chuck’s Auto Body in Litchfield for 50 years, alongside his brother, Cary Heaton, and his longtime co-worker and office manager, Gloria Kopsie. The shop has been a staple in the Litchfield community for over 50 years, known for its local support and services.

 

He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed 4-wheeling, hunting, fishing, mushroom hunting, and cooking. Chuck deeply valued spending time with his family and was active in his faith, enjoying Bible study and daily devotion.

 

Chuck is survived by his wife, Pam; son, Petty Officer 1st Class, Derek (Brittany) Heaton of Oak Harbor, WA; daughters, Heather (Shaun) Zeller of Litchfield, IL, Stephanie (Shaun) Clinard of Litchfield, IL, Meghann (Marshall) Bechtel of Coffeen, IL; brother, Cary (Jennifier) Heaton of Litchfield, IL; sisters, Carol (Michael) Lee of Hillsboro, IL; Cathy (Fiancé, Monte Barker) Lloyd of Litchfield, IL; Connie Joyce of Litchfield, IL; 15 grandchildren, Sophia Heaton, Gabriella Heaton, Dakota Heaton, Alana Heaton, Alexis Zeller (Fiancé Andy Cline), Hayley Zeller, Kattie Pospischel, Ryder Zeller, Maya Estell, Logan Clinard, Gunner Clinard, Gage Clinard, Averly Clinard, Kowen Bechtel, and Aubriella Bechtel; one great-grandchild; several nieces and nephews.

 

Chuck was preceded in death by his parents; son, Nathan Heaton and nephew, Tyler Stoneburner.

 

Visitation will be held on Friday, February 27, 2026, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home.

 

Funeral services for Chuck will be held on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at Plummer Funeral Home in Litchfield. Fr. Daniel Willenborg will preside.

 

Burial will be in Holy Cross Cemetery in Litchfield.

 

Memorials may be directed to Coats for Kids, or Montgomery County PAWS Care.

 

Plummer Funeral Home in Litchfield is assisting the Heaton family.

 

To leave an online condolence or to order flowers, visit www.plummerfuneralservices.com.