Melvin Heatley

Melvin Robert Heatley, 89, of Jackson died Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2023, at his home.

He was born Sept. 30, 1934, in Dutchtown to Cornelius Lee and Michel Merick Heatley.

Melvin served in the U.S. Navy and Air Force for a total of 26 years. Later, he owned his own convenience store for several years, before he retired and moved back to Jackson.

He is survived by his wife, Vicki L. Heatley of Jackson; daughter, Elizabeth "Bitts" of Portland, Oregon; brother, Raymond Lee (Marie) Heatley of San Diego; six grandchildren, Angie, Jason, Jeremy, James, Makala and Benjamin; nine great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. He was a great PaPa to Navaya, Ayden and Austin Moreland of Cape Girardeau.

Melvin was preceded in death by his parents; four children, Pamela, David, William and Paul Heatley; two grandchildren; brother, Eldon Heatley; and three sisters, Emilda Irene Guthrie, Effie May McClure and Ellie Marie Heatley.

Visitation will be from noon to 2 p.m. Friday, Jan. 12, at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau.

Memorial service will follow at 2 p.m. Friday, Jan. 12, at the funeral home, with J.T. Thomason officiating, followed by military honors by Missouri Honor Guard.

Memorial contributions may be given to VFW Post No. 3838 in Cape Girardeau.

Online condolences may be sent at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.