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Mark was a fighter until the very end; however, the Lord called him home after a long battle with cancer.

Mark A. Heaton, 63, of Galva, IL, passed away at his home on July 11, 2026, surrounded by his wife and children. Mark was a fighter until the very end; however, the Lord called him home after a long battle with cancer. Cremation will be directed by Mississippi Valley Cremation and Direct Burial, Moline, IL.

Mark was born on September 8th, 1962, to Leland “Lee” and Betty Heaton in Kewanee, IL. He graduated from Galva High School in 1981. He served in the Marine Corps from 1981 to 1985. Mark worked for many years at Great Dane in Kewanee, IL, until his retirement in 2024.

Mark is survived by his loving wife, Elissa Heaton, of Galva, IL. Four children, Wanda (Jake) Hill of Mountain Home, AR. Luke Heaton of Kewanee, IL. Gracy (Jamie) Heaton Williams of Henry, IL, Phillip (Rhianna) Heaton of Kewanee, IL. Two brothers, Steve Heaton of Kewanee, IL, and Kirby (Jodie) Heaton of Oneida, IL, and eleven grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his mother and father, an older brother, Marlon Heaton, and his father-in-law, Lester “Bud” Smith.

Mark served his Lord and Savior until the very end. He spent his days praising and worshiping Jesus by reading his Bible, listening to music, walking in nature, and spending time with his family. Some of his children’s favorite memories involve watching their favorite shows together and going on long hikes. 

A Celebration of Life will be held on July 17th from 1 pm to 6 pm at the Dairy Building in Bishop Hill, IL. We will honor Mark by enjoying some of his favorite foods, listening to music, sharing memories, and ending the day with a hike at Johnson’s Sauk Trail State Park.

Family and friends are invited to share memories and condolences online at www.mvcremation.com.