Charles Eugene Heath

Charles Eugene Heath, 87, our beloved Pa, of Nelsonville and Poughkeepsie, passed into eternal life early Monday morning, October 13, 2025, after a brief hospitalization at White River Medical Center in Batesville. 

He was born March 10, 1938, in Nelsonville, about 65 yards from where he later had his cabin built, where he lived for the last 18 years. He was the son of Orva and Rutha Heath and the grandson of Charles and Fanny Werner and Charley and Ella Heath. He enjoyed farming near the Strawberry River with his Pop during his childhood, helping plow with the mules, Kit and Kate. Picking cotton with his family for many years built a physical strength that served him well throughout his life. As a teenager he enjoyed riding horses with a group of friends and playing basketball for the Poughkeepsie Panthers. He graduated from Poughkeepsie High School in 1957. He had a lifelong love of horses and dogs and showed kindness to the family's cats. 

He worked at the fruit exchange in Sodus/Benton Harbor, Michigan, for several summers and at the golf course in Cherokee Village. He worked at Batesville Manufacturing/Aerojet/General Tire in Batesville for 33 years. He enjoyed gospel music and country music and was Willie Nelson's biggest fan. 

Throughout his retirement, he continued to be a cattle farmer and enjoyed taking care of his cattle and dogs, mowing, and bush hogging his place. He built barns, sheds, and finally a shop for himself that became a place where he enjoyed many happy times with his grandson. He and Justin traveled many miles together, usually with Cooper along for the ride. 

He was a member of Poughkeepsie Church of Christ for 62 years, where he served as co-treasurer for many years and led singing when needed. He was a member of the Poughkeepsie Masonic Lodge for many years, which he enjoyed so much, making many friends, and served a term as District Deputy, then later was a member of Curia Creek Lodge in Cave City and also attended Evening Shade Masonic Lodge, which has a 50-year pin in his name. 

Survivors include his son, Terry Heath of Nelsonville; his daughter, Melanie Heath of Poughkeepsie; his grandson, Justin Heath of Nelsonville; his brother and sister-in-law, Ewell and Nancy Heath of Nelsonville; and several cousins, family and friends, including Becky Heath and Dan Melbourne. His dogs Sam and Ellie Mae were a source of much joy for him. 

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 48 years, Janis Heath; his parents and grandparents; and a sister, Louise Heath Voth. His dog Sherry was his faithful companion for many years. 

The service will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, October 18, 2025 at Poughkeepsie Church of Christ with Barry E. Wilkes and Larry Sellers officiating. Burial will be in Spotts Cemetery with Masonic rites. 

Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, October 17, 2025 at Qualls Batesville Funeral Service Chapel. 

Pallbearers will be Jim Baxter, Barry E. Wilkes, Joe Young and Buell Wilkes.

Honorary pallbearers will be Billy Kohn Brown, Gaylon Mitchell, Jerry Riggs, and all the members of Poughkeepsie Church of Christ. 

Special thanks to PCT Hailie for taking such good care of him in the hospital and making him smile, along with nurses Robert and Richard for their care and encouragement, to Randy Gann for all he has done for us, and to everyone who helped us. 

Memorials may be made to the worthy organization of the donor's choice.

Arrangements by Qualls Funeral Homes