Kenneth D. Heaberlin passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, after a long illness. He was born November 28, 1950, in Mansfield, Ohio to Ray and Mildred (Bollinger) Heaberlin. Ken Graduated from Madison High School in 1968. In 1969 he married his high school sweetheart Diane Eldridge. They just celebrated their 56th anniversary. Ken went on to get certified in welding, HVAC and had his CDL license. He also was a certified steam plant engineer. Ken worked at Westinghouse until they closed and then worked at Steele Mill and Shelby Light Plant finishing his career at the OARDC in Wooster, Ohio as a steam plant engineer. In his spare time, he did many jobs with the backhoe he owned.
Ken’s favorite pastime was taking his boat out and going fishing. He also loved working on cars in his back garage and going to garage sales, but what he enjoyed most was spending time with his family. He was a long-standing member of Grace Episcopal Church and volunteered at the food pantry.
Ken is survived by his wife, Diane Heaberlin; his three daughters, Janice (Donnie) Brown, Melanie Prater, and Christine (Larry) Pennywitt; twelve grandchildren, Rochelle Brown, Humphrey Brown, Jacob Epps, Austin (Taylor) Epps, Emily Prater, Logan Prater, Benjamin Prater, Alexandor Prater, Gabirel Prater, Larry (Kaylee) Pennywitt, Kane (Kelsey) Pennywitt, and Luke (Paige) Pennywitt. Also surviving are fourteen great-grandchildren; his brother, Dan Heaberlin; his mother-in-law, Barbara Eldridge; his brothers and sisters-in-law, Virginia (Dave) Harmon, Joyce (Lynn) Riethmiller, and Roger Eldridge; along with numerous nieces and nephews and close friend, Ray Prater.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Mildred Heaberlin; his father-in-law, Leo Eldridge Sr., brother-in-law, L. Eldon Eldridge; sister-in-law, Betsy Eldridge; and nephew, Jonathon Reithmiller.
The family would like to thank Dr. Padival, Dr. Sringeri, and CNP Brandi for all their support and care. Also, Southern Care Hospice, especially Ken’s nurse, Brittney and aid, Kim for all their care and support.
Friends and family will gather for visitation Thursday, March 27, 2025, at Grace Episcopal Church, 41 Bowman St, Mansfield from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM and again Friday, March 28, 2025, at 10:00 AM. A funeral service will follow at 11:00 AM officiated by Father Christopher Hoffer. Ken will be laid to rest at Mansfield Cemetery.
