Howard Parker Heston, 89, of 85 Heston Farm Lane, Waynesboro, passed away at his home on Sunday, August 2, 2020. He was born March 26, 1931 in Newtown, Pennsylvania, son of the late Herman S. Heston and Florence Newbold Heston.
Howard was a retired fruit and vegetable farmer. He served in the U. S. Navy for four years during the Korean conflict, where he was aboard the USS Grouse, a minesweeper. He participated in the Aquatics Group at the Augusta Health Fitness Center and was a member of the EAA, (Experimental Aircraft Association) and the Middletown Grange, Bucks County, PA. He built and flew his own plane and designed and built three homes. An award-winning master farmer, he was also a brick mason, master carpenter and wood carver and was a mentor and teacher to many of the young men that worked for him on his farms.
The family would like to offer special appreciation to Carol Showalter and Hospice of the Shenandoah, Augusta Health Palliative Care and Beth Balsley for her loving care.
In addition to his parents he was preceded death by two sons, Daniel E. Heston and Brian H. Heston. He was the last remaining member of his family and was preceded in death by six brothers and sisters, Herman, Harry, Herbert, Helen, Eleanor and Marie.
Survivors include his wife of 67 years, Marie Kirk Heston, they were married on December 31, 1952; two daughters, LuAnn Duncan of Waynesboro and Audrey Painter and husband, Charles, of Greenville; five grandchildren, Amos Painter, Jeanie Humphries, Lesli Williams, James Heston and Alyssa Duncan; five great-grandchildren, Madelyn Painter, Eva and Cora Humphries, Wyatt Heston and Aubrey Duncan; one sister-in-law, Jeanie Kirk and numerous nieces and nephews.
Most of all he was devoted to his wife and family.
Howard’s own written obituary:
Howard was born and raised in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, on a Quaker farm, where he was taught by his parents to become a hard worker. He believed a man could be no more in touch with God then when he is working in the soil, growing fruits and vegetable for all to enjoy. He grew and sold fruits and vegetables at their Orchard Farm in Pennsylvania. It was wonderful family life with four children. All worked hard together and enjoyed many camping trips.
In 1973 they moved to Rockbridge Baths, Virginia where Howard designed and built Indian Bottom Campground. They went back to their first love of growing fruits and vegetables at Heston’s Farm, Waynesboro, Virginia
He enjoyed the Aquatics Class at AMC Fitness Center.
Howard was a man of many talents. He built three fine homes, was a stone and brick mason, carpenter, visionary and he built and flew his own airplane from scratch.
In later years they enjoyed spending time in their vegetable and flower gardens and just sitting on the front porch, reminiscing and enjoying the great outdoors.
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A private Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
Share memories, condolences and view the obituary written by Howard himself, at www.charltonandgroomefuneralhome.com.
Charlton and Groome Funeral Home, Fishersville is serving the family.
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