Johnny "John" L. Heath

Surrounded by his family, John L. Heath was welcomed home by his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, April 7, 2015 in Denison, Texas at the age of 80 years. “Well done, my good and faithful servant!” John was born on January 14, 1935 in St. Louis, Oklahoma to Rhonie and Lois Heath. John graduated from Winnsboro, Texas High School and attended East Texas State University. John served in the US Airborne until 1955. On May 3, 1957, John married Sue Layne Walker in Greenville, TX. In 1962, they moved their family to Durant, Ok, where he began his ministry, serving students as Director of the Baptist Student Union/BCM at Southeastern Oklahoma State University. John served in this position for 39 years. He was dedicated to the spiritual lives of his students and his legacy lives on through the service of many of these students who are serving Christ all over the world. After retirement, John and Sue moved to Vermont where he became the first State Director of Baptist Student Ministry, pioneering student work in the Northeast. He also served churches throughout Vermont. Throughout his ministry, John served as Interim Pastor for churches all over Bryan County and joyfully completed his ministry as the Pastor of Platter Baptist Church from 2007 until he was called home on Tuesday, 2015. John’s ministry was not an occupation, it was as natural to him as breathing. John is survived by his wife of 58 years, Sue Layne; children, Rhonie Heath and wife Lori. Shelli Heath Wright and husband David. Tim Heath and wife Diana. Amy Heath Bell and husband Derek Todd; sister, Rita Jeffress and husband Billy. His greatest enjoyment in recent life was his grandchildren, Jacy Nunley, Chris Heath, Caitlyn Wright, Caroline Wright, Emily Mason and husband Cameron, John Riley Heath and wife Andrea, Heath Allen Bell and Hallie Jake Bell; Great grandchildren, Kaden Neill, Camrey Mason, Kane Mason and, on the way, Rhonnie Quinn Heath. John’s immediate family also includes his very favorite sister-in-law, Carmen Walker as well as beloved brother and sister-in-law, James and Betty Walker and numerous nieces and nephews. Services for his immediate family and Platter Baptist Church family will be held this Sunday morning. A celebration of John’s life for all touched by his ministry will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday, May 2, 2015 at the First Baptist Church in Durant, OK. Memorial contributions may be made to the Baptist Collegiate Ministries of Southeastern Oklahoma State University New Building Fund, PO Box 12, Durant, OK 74702 or Platter Baptist Church, PO Box 1078, Platter, OK 74753. A tribute page, celebrating John’s ministry has been set up as a group on Facebook at Thank You, John Heath. All are welcome to join the group and share treasured memories. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.brownsfuneralservice.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Brown’s Funeral Service, Durant. PDF Printable Version

Johnny "John" L. Heath

January 14, 1935 - April 7, 2015