Heaton celebrates birthday at BC3
Bob Heaton and his daughter, Leanne Heaton, were driving Tuesday to the Heaton Family Learning Commons at Butler County Community College for an open house and birthday party: Heaton's 90th birthday party.
“He said, 'I hope somebody shows up,'” Leanne Heaton said with a laugh.
The party started at 4 p.m. Tuesday, and within 20 minutes 50 people had arrived and more were to come.
Leanne Heaton said at least 100 people told her in person they would be stopping by, and around 200 people were invited.
Those who came formed a seemingly endless line to have their chance to greet the elder Heaton with a hug or a handshake.
“That's a lot of recognition,” he said. “Who wouldn't be happy?”
Those in attendance ranged from friends and family members to business or political acquaintances with blurred lines between affiliations.
Martin O'Brien, a former judge in the Butler County Court of Common Pleas, said he grew up near Heaton on the South Side of Butler, but they didn't met until Heaton had became a businessman years later.
“I knew him as a community leader who was always involved in community activities,” O'Brien said.
Tom King said Heaton is a staple of the community.
“Everyone is here to honor Mr. Heaton's accomplishments in life and his generosity to the community,” King said. “He's a very humble man who worked hard and is a shining example of what someone can do with their life in a good way.”
Leanne Heaton said her father was born 6 months before the “Black Monday” stock market crash of October 1929 that triggered the Great Depression. She said he started in the workforce at age 11.
“He made enough money and then put himself through college,” Leanne Heaton said.
Bob Heaton later became an owner of his own business and a well-known entrepreneur. He donated $1 million toward the building of the learning center, and in return the building was named after him.
“I'm thrilled to death,” Heaton said. “It's been the highlight of my life.”
Nick Neupauer, president of BC3, spoke to the crowd about Heaton's role in the rise of the community college. Neupauer also had a special presentation, reading a letter sent to Heaton from President Donald Trump.
“We pray the years ahead are filled with good health and much happiness. God Bless you and happy birthday,” the letter read, signed by President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump.
Neupauer said Heaton is an incredible person.
“He's always about doing the right thing,” Neupauer said. “When he believes in something, he goes all out.”
Heaton said he will always be proud of the help he could offer the college.
“BC3 has been a very big thing in my life,” Heaton said. “ It's been a source of pride for me to help people here.”
He said he still remembers the day the learning center opened. He remembers the words that came out of his mouth when it was official.
“I said, 'This is a day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice,'” Heaton said. “Today, I am rejoicing.”
