Joseph “Joe” Shawn Heaton, of Princeton, Texas, passed away on April 1, 2026, at the age of 63. He was born on June 30, 1962, in Dallas, Texas, to Jack David Heaton and Joyce Mary Nichols.
Joe graduated from Irving High School in 1980 and went on to further his education at the University of Texas at Arlington, the University of North Texas, and North Lake Community College. He built a strong work ethic throughout his life, working at the Walmart Distribution Center and Central Freight Lines in Dallas.
On June 15, 1996, Joe was united in marriage to Susan Gardner in Irving, Texas. Together they built a life rooted in love, companionship, and shared memories.
Joe had a passion for staying active and enjoying life to the fullest. He was an avid golfer and a dedicated member of the Dallas Rugby Club for over 20 years, where he was not only an active player but also formed lasting friendships. He loved cycling and spending time outdoors, including a love-hate relationship with fishing. Joe was also a devoted fur baby dad to his numerous Huskies.
Joe will be remembered for his kind heart, his sense of humor, and the deep love he had for his family and friends.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Susan Heaton of Princeton, Texas; his mother, Joyce Heaton of Coppell, Texas; and his siblings, Jack Heaton Jr. of Irving, Texas; Joan Crochet (Lynn) of Corpus Christi, Texas; Julie Leonard of Fort Worth, Texas; Jill Estein (Dalton) of Irving, Texas; Joel “Chris” Heaton (Tricia) of Allen, Texas; Jerry Heaton (Susie) of Cleburne, Texas; Jennifer Ward (Joel) of Fort Worth, Texas; and Janet Pursley (Travis) of Arlington, Texas. He is also survived by more than two dozen nieces and nephews, 40 great-nieces and great-nephews, and a host of other loving family members and friends.
Joe was preceded in death by his father, Jack David Heaton, Sr; his brother, James Heaton; his great aunt, Edna “Auntie” Adams; and his maternal grandparents, C.L. and Thelma Nichols.
Joe’s legacy of love, laughter, and loyalty will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, April 8, 2026 at St. Joseph’s Village Chapel, 1203 E. Sandy Lake Road, Coppell, Texas 75019. Interment will follow at Ridgeview Memorial Park, 2525 Central Expressway North, Allen, Texas 75013.
The family will receive friends during a visitation on Tuesday, April 7, 2026 from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home, 2525 Central Expressway North, Allen, Texas 75013. A rosary will be recited at 8:00 p.m. after the visitation.