Luther Freeman Heaton

Luther Freeman Heaton, 82, Minot, North Dakota Softball Hall of Fame umpire and award winning youth director at the Minot Air Force Base, died on Wednesday, July 24, 2013 in a Grand Forks hospital. Luther was born on August 3, 1930 in Crossville, AL to Lyous and Lemon (Peppers) Heaton. He was reared and educated in Crossville and graduated from Crossville High School in 1948. He played professional baseball for one season prior to enrolling in Newberry College in South Carolina. Following his education, he was employed at a textile mill and played amateur basketball. Luther married Ruth Saylors on June 2, 1950 in Trion, GA. He enlisted in the United States Air Force (USAF) on February 11, 1952 and was stationed at various air force bases including Greenland, Georgia, Tennessee, Germany, Vietnam, Minot (from 1967-1972) and Japan. Luther returned to Minot Air Force Base (MAFB) in 1976 and retired from the USAF on February 28, 1978 following 26 years of service. Luther and Ruth continued to make their home in Minot until Luther, due to his failing health, moved to Grand Forks to live with his daughter. Following his military service, Luther continued his education at Minot State University and received his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration in 1982. Following his graduation he was employed as the Minot Air Force Base athletics intramural director for two years before becoming the manager of the MAFB youth center from 1983-1993. Luther’s beloved wife Ruth died on September 23, 2007. Luther was a member of Vincent United Methodist Church and Faith United Methodist Church. He was a member of Noncommissioned Officers Association (NCOA) and the Amateur Softball Association (ASA). He was inducted into the North Dakota Softball Hall of Fame, was named Outstanding Youth Director for the Strategic Air command and received the Meritorious Service Award for Outstanding Youth Director. Luther especially enjoyed fishing, gardening, traveling and crossword puzzles. Luther’s loving family includes his daughter: Lisa (Paul) Kocsis of Grand Forks and grandchildren: Jessica and Michael Kocsis. Luther was preceded in death by his parents, wife, sisters: MaeBelle Steele and Myrtle Moorer, brother: LeRoy Heaton and special niece: Bobbie Jones. Funeral service will be 2 p.m. (CST) Sunday, August 4th at Wilson Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. John Screws officiating. Graveside services will follow at 5 p.m. (EST) at West Hill Cemetery in Trion, GA. The family will receive friends Saturday from 4 until 7 p.m. (CST) at the funeral home. Wilson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements

Luther Freeman Heaton

August 3, 1930 - July 24, 2013