Don Heathington

Don Michael Heathington 78 went to be with our Lord in the early morning hours of October 22, 2004. Don was born in the town of Duster located in Central Texas on November 13, 1925 to the parents of John Slade and Clara Heathington. The family consisted of three brothers and one girl of which Don was the youngest. At 17 years of age in 1942, Don enlisted in the United States Navy and served in World War II until it's conclusion in 1945. After the war, Don came back to Central Texas and graduated in 1950 from Baylor University in Waco, Texas. At Baylor, Don earned Honorable Mention All-American Honors as a Baylor forward on a basketball team that went to 2 two Final Fours. Drafted in the first round by Syracuse of the then fledgling NBA, Don opted for the Industrial Basketball League in which Central Valley Electric of Artesia had a team and a job in 1950. Basketball faded, but Don's passion for NRECA Central Valley and Artesia did not. Don worked 43 years for Central Valley and served on numerous state and national boards, including President of the National Association of Rural Electrical Cooperative's in 1988-1989. Civic and Community service in Artesia included, presiding over the Chamber of Commerce, City Council Member, Kiwanis, Little League and Eddy County Fair. Don was active in the Church of Christ in Artesia, serving as Deacon for a period and was a member of the Hermosa Church at the time of his death. Don loved helping people and serving others, but the biggest blessing of his life came when he married Stella Elizabeth Baker of Artesia who survives him. Two children were born of this 47 year union, being Michael Slade Heathington of Midland, Texas and Cheryl Heathington Welch of Artesia, New Mexico. Both children survive Don as well as an older brother Glenn Heathington of Ft. Worth, Texas. Nephews and nieces surviving are James Baker, Dallas, Texas, John Angel, Aztec, New Mexico, Larry Murphy, Artesia, New Mexico and Shirley Baker, Artesia, New Mexico. Funeral Services are scheduled Tuesday October 26, 2004 at 2:00 P.M. at the Hermosa Drive Church of Christ in Artesia, with Michael Joiner presiding. Burial will follow at the Twin Oaks Memorial Park with Terpening Son Mortuary in charge of arrangements. Pallbearers will be Dwayne Pounds, Mike Prude, Mike Anderson, Gary Conklin, J. T. Ross, and Richard Price. The family requests that any material donations or memorials be made to the Christian Children Home, 1356 NM Hwy 236, Portales, NM 88130-9411.