Aubrey Leon "Jake" Heaton

Aubrey (Jake) L. Heaton, 94, of Polson, passed away on August 12, 2022, at home surrounded by family. Jake was born on September 29, 1927, in Everton, Missouri, to Albert and Tessie Heaton.

He was raised on the family farm during the depression. With the men in the family traveling for work, at the tender age of 8 he helped provide for the family by hunting, fishing, and working on the farm. He also took on paying jobs cutting wood, hauling hay and other odd jobs. This work ethic prepared him for his adult life and his family that followed.

At the age of 17 he joined the Navy and served proudly during World War II. Upon discharge Jake returned to Missouri. Soon his sense of adventure had him traveling the country and following construction work. Upon one such stop in Missoula, Montana, he was introduced to his future wife, Darlene Lozeau. After a whirlwind courtship they eloped and spent 61 wonderful years together until her passing in 2012.

Jake was blessed with two sons and four daughters. Having a family did not curb the adventure; it just became a family affair. Whether it was fishing in the Yukon, taking helicopter rides around Mount Rushmore, or exploring the National Parks, the family experienced and learned many things. He created memories before it became popular.

Jake enjoyed fishing for catfish in Missouri with his favorite fishing partner Slick, because after a successful fishing trip he was able to enjoy a family catfish fry with enough food to feed the family, the neighbors and possibly the next county. His other interest was flying. He earned his private pilot’s license and flew whenever he could in his early years until a health issue grounded him. Jake loved telling stories and jokes. His quick wit and razor-sharp memory made them engaging and entertaining. The grandkids especially liked his quirky songs as he kept them laughing as they sang along with him.

Jake was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Darlene; sons Hank and Randy; daughter Penny; grandsons Jacob and Christopher; and his siblings.

Jake is survived by his daughters Cathy (Jon) Patton, Susie (Rich) Johnson, Abby (Greg) Dupuis; 10 grandchildren April Eick, Angie Fortney, Randy Johnson, Derek Anderson, Nathan Anderson, Katie Caulkins, Sancee Heaton, Amanda Taylor, Bryan Dupuis and Scott Patton; and 20 great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at 10:00 AM Thursday, August 18, 2022 at The Lake Funeral Home, followed by an urn burial at St. Ignatius Catholic cemetery.