Dane Robert Heatherington, Air Force Veteran, died Wednesday, September 2, 2020 in Largo, FL unexpectedly. He was 65.
Dane was born in Pittsburgh, PA and was the youngest of three children born to Dorothy and William Heatherington. He graduated from Saint John’s College High School, where he served in the cadet leadership corps, chess club, and the foosball team.
Dane’s first job was much like most young men during that time, he was a newspaper delivery boy. He quickly gravitated to something more along the lines of his interests and procured a job serving as the Baskin and Robins Sundae Chef. However, Dane knew he couldn’t serve ice cream forever and found his calling serving his country in the United States Air Force.
He served in the Air Force for 10 years from 1973 to 1983. Initially, Dane served as a nuclear weapons engineer, but switched his specialty over to mechanics at his first opportunity. Unlike some, Dane knew his calling and passion was fixing things. Dane had a few passions in his life, but none more important than family. In 1983, the US Air Force elected to send him on a dependent restricted tour. Dane knew, unfortunately it was time for him to part ways with the Air Force because leaving his daughter was not an option.
Dane held a few jobs after the service, but ultimately found his way into traffic operations for the city of Clearwater, FL. He served the City of Clearwater for many years, retiring in 2017. He was responsible for putting in new intersections and ensuring the traffic lights stayed operational. Ultimately, Dane was responsible for helping people get from point A to point B every day for over two decades.
He filled his days with many things, but first and foremost was his unwavering faith and love for Jesus. He could often be found working with the “Men of Arms Ministry” of calvary chapel. Another one of his interests was pawn shopping. Dane was always on the lookout for the best deals around town. He loved motorcycling. He would often reminisce about trips he would take with dear friends on his motorcycle. He enjoyed scuba diving and being around the ocean. A little unknown fact about Dane is he enjoyed laser tag where he earned himself the coveted title of “the dude”. Dane loved to build model rockets and target shooting. However, out of all of his hobbies, he enjoyed fixing things the most.
Dane was known as “Mr. Fix It”. He was gifted with a logical and inquisitive mind. He could figure out how to fix just about anything. The word “can’t” was never a word in his vocabulary. His father is remembered as being of same mind.
Dane is survived by his only daughter, Charity, his sister Margaret (Peggy), his brother William (Bill), his grandchildren Meadow, Andon, Preston, Gabriel, and Bodhi, and many cousins, nephews, nieces, friends, and family. Dane was a doting father and grandfather, cherished his grandchildren and was liked by all.
There will be a memorial service held for Dane on Wednesday, September 9th 2020 at 6:00 pm at the Veterans Funeral Care, Clearwater FL. His family is requesting that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the “Men of Arms Ministry”, Calvary Chapel, 8900 US HWY 19 N, Pinellas Park, FL 33782.
1 Corinthians 15:20-23, 42-45: But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. But each in turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him.
So will it be with the resurrection of the dead. The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable; it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body.
If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body. So it is written: “The first man Adam became a living being”[f]; the last Adam, a life-giving spirit.
Dane will be missed very much by his friends. He made us laugh and was always offering a helping hand. RIP Dane. You were one of a kind! Condolences and healing prayers to Charity and family.
– Love, Claudia Walker
Dane was a great friend (mister fix it and yard man in my neighborhood. He will be greatly missed by everyone in the neighborhood.one final thing you knew that Dane loved Jesus!!
Dane will be missed by all who were lucky enough to have met and know him. He had a delightful spirit that I will never forget. May you find peace and comfort in the memories you cherish. My deepest and sincere condolences to the family.
May the soul of your father rest in peace ✝️❤️✝️
Sheryl Waggoner
R.I.P. Dane.
Dane was our Nextdoor neighbor for the past three years. He was reserved and friendly. He often took the time to generously mow our lawn while he was mowing his. We will miss him as a neighbor and a friend.
Condolences to Dane’s family.
I am sorry to hear of Dane’s passing. I knew him from years ago at Seminole Assembly but often thought of him as I drove by his house to going to my mother’s. The other day I saw someone cleaning out the house so I knew some must be wrong. Dane was a hard worker and had a servants heart. I know he will be missed. Prayers and thoughts to his family.
So sad to hear about Dane’s passing. I have known him since the days of Seminole Assembly. In the past several years we would run into him at the local gun shows as he would stop at our booth. Prayers for the family he left behind.
I still cannot believe you’re gone dad. We miss you so much. It’s not fair, you should be here now visiting for Thanksgiving like you always did. Thank you for being such a loving father and grandfather. God blessed me when he made you my earthly father.
So sad to hear about the passing of my friend Dane. Just found out today. We met when we were both young men serving in the USAF in Arkansas. We worked together for a while. He would come over to my house for dinner occasionally. I remember when Charity was born and how proud he was to have her. We lost touch after I left the Air Force. It sounds like he had a great life full of family and friends that loved him and will always miss him. He found the way, the truth, and the life, through Jesus Christ our lord. It doesn’t get any better than that. My sincere condolences go out to Charity and all his family and friends. Thank you for letting me share. God bless you all.
Dear Charity,
I just found out about your Dad and was saddened to learn that had passed away. My deepest condolences to you and your family!
I will always fondly remember the times we spent together, even such simple things as sharing a meal at Burger King. He was always willing to help out with mechanical repairs, like the evening he fixed the tie rods on my car, after which we went to Howard Johnsons on Clearwater Beach and enjoyed all you can eat clams and fries until well after midnight! And of course, all the good times after church.
I know you will always miss him. May the Lord visit you with his love and comfort you in your loss.
A friend in Christ,
Thomas Ridenour
Charity, I hope this falls into your hands. I am so sorry to hear about your dad specially at this later date from Mr Tom. I so often thought about him over the years and wanted to get in touch. We spent a lot of time together all of us back in the day having fun and doing things together! I hope you are doing well and serving the Lord with all your might.. love, Donna Kersey Cotis