John Donnell Heightley, age 78, entered the gates of heaven on Saturday, July 19, 2014, at home with the family as they sang “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus.”
John was born on May 20, 1936, to Robert and Sarah Kathleen Heightley in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. He was a resident of Colorado Springs, Colorado, for 18 years.
He is survived by his loving wife, Lana Heightley; his daughters: Kathryn Heightley of Boulder, Colorado, and Jennifer (Peter) Abe of Concord, California; his sons: Richard (Denise) Shull of Montrose, Colorado, and Rex (Manuela) Shull of Parker, Colorado; his grandchildren: Heather (David) Stoller of Castle Rock, Colorado, Ryan (Krista) Shull of Parker, Colorado, Jayme (Adam) Krantz of Castle Rock, Colorado, Rowdy (Tiffany) Applehans of Montrose, Colorado, Sarah Wiltshire of Boulder, Colorado, and Linda McGuire of Otsego, Michigan; and his great grandchildren: Elliana Stoller of Castle Rock, Colorado, Aubry McGuire of Otsego, Michigan, Devon Applehans of Denver, Colorado, and Gemma Applehans of Montrose, Colorado.
John loved the outdoors including skiing, running, hiking, sailing, and traveling the world. He attended New Life Church in Colorado Springs. He graduated from Johnstown High School in 1958, Penn State University in 1962, and MIT in 1964. He was proud to serve in the U.S. Navy from 1958 to 1962.
John’s career spanned six decades. He began his career at Bell Labs in 1962. From 1978 to 1985, he served as a member of the Board of Directors, President, Chief Executive Officer, and Vice President of Memory Products for Inmos International. From 1985 to 1997, John held a number of executive positions and ended his career working with United Memories Inc. from 1996 to 2011. He holds over 40 patents in his name.
There will be a celebration of life service for John on Sunday, July 27, 2:30 p.m., at New Life Church (in the tent), 11025 Voyager Parkway, Colorado Springs, CO, 80921. A time of fellowship will follow the celebration of life service.
In lieu of flowers, a donation may be given to Women With a Mission. Online donations can be made at http://www.womenwam.com/donate.html (in the purpose section, choose in honor of John Heightley). Donations will be used to build a church in India in his honor. John’s heart was to impact nations and transform lives.