Howard Vaden Heathman

Howard Vaden Heathman, 77, of Rogers, Ark., passed away Thursday, April 12, 2012, at Bradford House Nursing & Rehab in Bentonville, Ark. He was born Nov. 8, 1934, in Matfield Green, Kan., to Vaden L. and Vivian Herr Heathman. Retired Army Master Sergeant Heathman served as a member of the 82nd Airborne Division, the Army Special Forces (Green Berets), and was a Vietnam veteran. After retiring he drove for CFI and worked at DECO Asphalt Co. He enjoyed watching the birds and animals that came to feed in his yard and loved his dogs. Howard loved his family and grandchildren. He was a caring, giving person and has been the primary caregiver for the last five years to his precious wife of 55 years, Maxine "Sue" Heathman. He was preceded in death by his parents; and one sister, Donna Baldwin. Howard is survived by his wife, Maxine "Sue" Heathman; three sons, Jerry Heathman and wife, Laina, of Dallas, Texas, Jimmy Lee Heathman of Rogers, Johnny Allen Heathman and wife, Jody, of Douglassville, Pa.; one daughter, Terry Guy and husband, Russell, of Rogers; nine grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Sunday, April 15, 2012, at Stockdale-Moody Funeral Services of Rogers. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday, April 16, 2012, at Central United Methodist Church in Rogers with the Rev. Carness Vaughan and the Rev. Jim Keith officiating. Burial will be at 1 p.m. at Fayetteville National Cemetery with full military honors. Memorials may be made in honor of Howard Heathman to the Alzheimer's Association, 210 North Walton Blvd., #25, Bentonville, AR 72712. Arrangements have been entrusted to Stockdale-Moody Funeral Services of Rogers. Online condolences may be made at stockdalefuneral.com.