Master Sergeant (MSG Ret) Robert Shaw “Bob” Heaton, 80, passed away on July 19, 2026, at Kindred Hospital in Webster, Texas. He was born on July 3, 1946 in Jacksonville, Texas, to Eddie and Ruth Heaton and was predeceased by his parents and sister Sarah Elizabeth “Betty” Heaton Cook. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Nancy Atwater Heaton, son Richard Kenneth Heaton, daughter-in-law Katrina Burgess Heaton, grandson Samuel, and numerous loving family members and friends.

Master Sergeant (Retired) Robert S. Heaton, United States Army Special Forces, served his country with distinction. He served in multiple organizations at various levels such as: 5th Special Forces Group, 10th Special Forces Group, and 7th Special Forces Group as an Intelligence Sergeant. He also served as a Drill Sergeant and as an instructor, teaching and mentoring future generations of Green Berets. He earned numerous awards and decorations to include: Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal w/ Oak Leaf Cluster (2nd Award), Army Commendation Medal w/ 2 Oak Leaf Clusters (3rd Award), Army Achievement Medal, Good Conduct Medal w/ Silver Knot (6th Award), National Defense Service Medal w/ Bronze Campaign Star, Vietnam Service Medal w/ 3 Bronze Campaign Stars, Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Development Medal w/ Numeral 3 (4th Award), Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Medal w/ Numeral 2 (3rd Award), Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Special Forces Tab, Combat Infantry Badge, Military Free-fall Badge, Master Parachutist Badge, and Vietnam Parachutist Badge.

After retirement from active duty, Bob taught Jr ROTC at Reagan High School & Clear Lake High School in Houston, TX, Clear Creek High School in League City, TX, Clear Brook High School in Friendswood, TX, and helped launch a new JROTC program at Sam Rayburn High School in Pasadena, TX. He was a natural teacher, beloved by his high school students, many of whom stayed in touch with him throughout his remaining years.

After his second retirement, he enjoyed numerous hobbies and activities centered around his family, home and neighborhood, including guns, gardening, his beloved grandson, pets, watching sports, volunteering, neighborhood watch, home improvement projects, and enjoyed being a baseball umpire for several years.

A Celebration of Bob’s life will be held at Christ’s Church of the Assemblies of God, 1401 Bay Area Blvd, Houston, TX, on Thursday, July 23 at 10:00 a.m. with viewing beginning at 9:00 a.m. Internment will follow at 1:30 at the Houston National Cemetery, 10410 Veterans Memorial Drive, Houston, TX, with full military honors.

In lieu of flowers the family has requested those wishing to make a memorial donation in Bob’s memory donate to the Bible Fund of Christ’s Church, 1401 Bay Area Blvd., Houston, TX, 77058, which provides Bibles to the military.