George F. Heighway, Jr. of Noblesville, died Aug. 22, surrounded by his wife of 25 years and his children.

He was born in Bloomington on Jan. 2, 1931 to George and Mary Heighway and was nicknamed Joe. He graduated from Indiana University in 1954 and served in the U.S. Army until 1956. He was stationed in the U.S. and Germany as a platoon leader. On his return, he was employed as Business Manager of Silver Crest Hospital in New Albany, Ind.  In 1957, he married LaVonne Nelson and had three children: Anne, David and Rob.

He was a member of Bethel Lutheran Church and the American Legion in Noblesville.

While he lived in Zionsville, he was a Department manager at Pitman Moore – Dow Chemical and remained there until 1973. He then became Division Director of Health Facilities at the Indiana State Board of Health until 1983.  Prior to retiring in 1996, he served as the President/CEO of the Indiana Association of Homes for the Aging.

In 1996, he was named a Sagamore of the Wabash by Governor Evan Bayh. He earned a Masters Degree in Health Administration in 1983. Other achievements include:  Licensed Nursing Home Administrator, Certified Association Executive (CAE), received commendation for distinguished service from Governor Robert Orr, Distinguished Service Award of Zionsville, Licensed Environmental Specialist, and received the award for Outstanding Development from American Association of Homes for the Aging.  He was also a founding member of the Zionsville Off Main Street Players.

He is survived by his wife, Sarah Wells Heighway and four children: David Heighway of Noblesville, Anne Heighway and Rob (Julia) Heighway of Indianapolis, and Teresa Wells-Shafer of Sheridan. He has six grandchildren: Riley Heighway, Nicholas Heighway, Michael Heighway, Brandon Shafer, Brandy Shafer, Taylor Shafer and four great grandchildren: Austin Heighway, Caden Shafer, Dakota Malone, and Davian Malone.

Please join the family for a Celebration of Life Wednesday, August 26. Visitation begins at 5 p.m. followed by a service at 7 p.m. at Bethel Lutheran Church, 20650 Cumberland Road, Noblesville.  In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the IU Foundation/George ‘Dixie’ Heighway Scholarship and mailed to Indiana University Foundation, PO Box 6460, Indianapolis, IN 46206-6460, and to Bethel Lutheran Church.

Arrangements are entrusted to Hartley Funeral Homes Cicero Chapel where you may send condolences at www.hartleyfuneralhomes.com.