Gordon W. Heaton, 88, of Vero Beach, died June 30, 2009, at the Indian River Estates Medical Center in Vero Beach. He was born in New York City, and moved to Vero Beach in 1985 from Wheaton, Ill. He was a veteran of World War II, serving in the Army Air Force as a major. Before retirement, he had been a merchandising manager for Sears Roebuck Co., retiring after 29 years, then becoming the president of Robert Hall Stores in New York City and president of VF Corp. in Pennsylvania before opening his own consulting business. He was the president of National Menswear Association; National Father’s Day Council; and a board member of Philadelphia College of Textiles. He was a member of the Chicago Golf Club in Wheaton, the New York Athletic Club, and the Military Officers of America. He was a graduate of Wesleyan University in Middletown, Conn. Survivors include his wife of 66 years, Anne; sons, Gordon D. Heaton, of Wheaton, and Roger L. Heaton, of San Diego, Calif.; daughter, Laurie H. Ferry, of Elburn, Ill.; and four grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a son, William Heaton. Memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society of Vero Beach, P.O. Box 644, Vero Beach, FL 32961.There will be no services. Arrangements are by Cox-Gifford-Seawinds Funeral Home and Crematory in Vero Beach. A guest book may be signed at seawindsfh.com/obit.php.
