John Frederick Heator, 93, of Union City, passed away Saturday, December 20, 2025 at Maple Lawn Medical Care Facility in Coldwater.
Those who knew him remember John as a gregarious soul and avid outdoorsman who actively loved his family, his friends, his community, and his country. He liked seeing other people enjoy life, and would share a good word to make the day brighter.
In keeping with John’s wishes, he will be cremated and a gathering of family and friends will be held Friday, January 2, 2026 from 3:00-7:00 p.m. at Lighthouse Funeral & Cremation, 1276 Tate Trail, Union City, MI.
A graveside service with military honors will be held at a later date at Riverside Cemetery in Union City.
John was born December 10, 1932 in Coldwater, Michigan, the seventh of 11 children of Glenn and Emma (Snyder) Heator. He moved to Union City for the last two years of high school. It was there that he met his future wife, Marion (Touhey) Heator. They graduated together from Union City High School in 1952 and were married in 1954. They had three children, Ed, Marty and Julie.
John distinguished himself in business and community service. After an 11-year career with Southern Michigan National Bank, he left to go into the insurance business.
As a volunteer, he worked on countless fundraisers, helped school children improve their reading skills, served on the Branch County Social Services Board, and participated in Jaycees and Rotary. John was also active with the American Legion Post 196 in Union City until the time of his death.
John and Marion knew the value of regular family meals and involvement with their children’s school, recreation and social activities. John coached Little League baseball, attended countless sporting events and other school functions, got involved in his kids’ Scouting activities. Later he became an attentive and doting grandfather.
John was preceded in death by his wife, Marion (Touhey) Heator; his parents, Glenn and Emma (Snyder) Heator; and his siblings, Harriet Eckert, Donald, Albert, Gileah Ewers, Dorena Heator, Richard, Junior, Robert, and George.
John is survived by his children Ed (Cindy), Marty (Cheryl), and Julie (Stephanie Maj); granddaughters Shelby Heator, Mackenzie Heator (Alexander Bates), Megan Holtrey (Stefen), and Olivia Heator; his sister, Mary Siler, and many nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made payable to Union City Alumni Scholarship Fund with “Heator Family Fund” on the memo line. Checks can be mailed to Edward Jones Financial Advisors, 220 N. Broadway Street, Union City, MI 49094.
Please visit www.lighthousefuneral.com to share memories, pictures and videos with the family.
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