Jon Edgar Heaster

Jon Edgar Heaster, 69, died at home in the Mossy Oaks neighborhood of Beaufort on Tuesday, September 6, 2016. He was a well known and loved staff member of the Technical College of the Lowcountry for nearly 30 years. Jon had the remarkable in his ability to communicate and make friends with people of all ages regardless of their age or status in life... a very special man who treated all with respect and in his great nephew's words,"...was among the kindest and gentlest people to have ever walked this earth. He carried me upon his shoulders countless times, he was my first friend in those early childhood days of imagination where a simple jungle gym became a pirate ship, he was the provider of so many quiet comfortable meals at the local burger king where we'd just enjoy each other's company and ignore the rest of the world." He will be missed on Boyer St where in daily walking his scottish terrier, Maggie, or swinging on his porch, time for friends and neighbors was always available. Born on Tuesday, 24 December 1946,, in Richwood, Nicholas Co., WV, he was the son of the late Franklin McClung Heaster, formerly of Morgantown, WV, and the late Mary Elizabeth (Matthews), formerly of South Charleston, WV. Jon Edgar is survived by three siblings, Marjorie Carolyn Smith of Ojai, CA,  James Matthew Heaster, MD (Mary) of Tate, GA, and Sally Jo Waters (David) of Des Moines, Iowa.  Also surviving are: brother-in-law, Dick Vallandingham of Beaufort, SC; nieces, Susan Bennitt (Bob), Melissa Hibbs (Kelly), Sarah Knotts (Russell); nephews, David Smith (Dirce), Stephen Smith, Andrew (Lorna), Brian Heaster, M.D., Christopher Heaster (Kelly Newbury), and Travis Waters (Sarah); great-nieces,  Jessica Tavares Smith Jyoti , Samantha Gregory, Mattie Hibbs, and Nichola Smith, Anna Smith, Abigail Smith; great-nephews, James Smith; John Gregory (Elisabeth Alkier); Lucas Smith, Ralph Manalo and Adam Heaster. Jon Edgar was preceded in death by one sister, Judith Ann Vallandingham of Beaufort, SC; four grandparents, Edgar Reynolds and Alma (McClung) Heaster of Richwood, Nicholas Co., WV, Simon Ramon (Raymond) "Banjo" Matthews of South Charleston, WV, and Rebecca Ruhama "Peg" (Bryant) Matthews, originally  of Hominy Creek, Nicholas Co., WV. A memorial service will be held at 6 o'clock Friday evening, September 16, 2016, in the chapel of Copeland Funeral Service - One Copeland Drive. The family requests that those attending the memorial service dress very casually. Sports related apparel would be appropriate. In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations be sent to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital - 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105.