Jack P. Heavilin

Jack P. Heavilin, 80, of New Philadelphia, formerly of Gnadenhutten, was called to the more immediate presence of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Wednesday, September 10, 2014 from Hennis Care Centre in Dover, after a courageous battle following a stroke and suffering from the Genetic Osler-Weber-Rendu Disease (also known as HHT). Born December 22, 1933 in Uhrichsville, he was a son of the late John James and Martha Eleanor (Gatchell) Heavilin.

Jack was a loving husband, awesome dad, fantastic grandpa and friend to all. He lived his life to the fullest, sharing everything with his wife and best friend, the former Mary Louise Clark, to whom he was wed on November 16, 1958. He is also survived by their daughters: Jill (Tim) Hodge of Melbourne, Fla., Julie (Terry) Burrell of Dover and Jackie (Todd) Schupp of Tuscarawas; grandchildren: MaryElizabeth and Patrick Hodge, Andrew, Emily and Elizabeth Burrell, and Shelby, Bryer and Madalyn Schupp; brother, Harry L. (Suzie) Heavilin of Uhrichsville; sister-in-law, Betty Jane Heavilin of New Philadelphia; brother-in-law, James (Judy) Clark of Wooster; aunt, Marie Heavilin of Bowerston; many nieces and nephews; and his “four-legged granddaughter”, Lucy. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Jesse and Terry Heavilin; sisters: Wava, Ella Mae, Nancy, and Elsie Heavilin; brothers-in-law, Charles and Richard Clark; and nephews, Randy and Bill Heavilin.

After attending Uhrichsville High School, Jack proudly served his country in the U.S. Air Force as a mechanic on C-47s, which he always thought was the safest airplane ever built, before returning home to a 40 year career at Alsco Anaconda in Gnadenhutten. He was active in the Tuscarawas-Warwick Volunteer Fire Department for many years and was a member of the ARCO Retirement Club. For over 59 years, Jack was a faithful member of Sharon Moravian Church where he was the caretaker of the church and the cemetery in the early 60’s. He was well known as a “Jack-of-all-trades” and especially enjoyed caring for his yard and garden, starting his own tomato plants from seed each year.

Services for Jack, officiated by the Rev. Rebecca Sisley and the Rev. John Wallace, will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 13, in Sharon Moravian Church in Tuscarawas. Interment will follow in Sharon Moravian Church Cemetery. Visitation will be 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday in the R.K. Lindsey Funeral Home in Dennison. Memorial contributions may be made to Sharon Moravian Church, P.O. Box 385, Tuscarawas, OH 44682 and the HHT Foundation, Inc., P.O. Box 329, Monkton, MD 21111.