Darrell D. Heuton

Darrell D. Heuton, a man of many talents, was born in Carroll, Iowa in 1946 and grew up on a farm.  He was the youngest of seven children. The siblings remained close and were part of each others’ lives.  Darrell is survived by his wife Jean; his children Kathryn Winslow and James (Ivy) Heuton; granddaughter Lilianna; brothers Wendall and Ronal; his sister Elaine Johnston as well as several nieces, nephews and other relatives. 

The routines of his life on the farm carried over to the rest of life: arising early, appreciating sunrises, tending to the animals, all activities that enhanced his tender heart. Growing up on the farm gave him a quiet confidence, an ability to fix anything, to handle any situation in life.  His faith, too, grew as he saw the crops grow every year, trusting that if they planted they would harvest, trusting there would be food to eat and praises to offer up. Trusting God has His hand upon us. 

Gods’ work, our hands. Darrell used his hands to do God’s work since he was a boy on the farm in Iowa, knowing we all are a part of a larger body, something greater, part of a community.

In college, while studying chemistry, he met Jean, his beloved wife, where “the chemistry was right,” and before long, he promised to love and to hold her, and provide for her. They raised their children in Iowa. In 2000 they moved to Colorado, where their grown children lived.

Darrell used his strong hands for serving others, offering hope and security, care and love.

He enjoyed doing things for others, be it  turning on sprinkler systems, changing a lightbulb, painting a house, trimming shrubs, or helping identify a mechanical problem. He often volunteered to be the handy man and mechanic just to bring joy to people and make them more comfortable.  A Master Gardener, he enjoyed offering advice on plants and a hand with caring for plants and landscaping. Children liked to help on projects that involved a wheelbarrow, because it meant rides back to the loading zone.  It was natural for him show up with tools and knowledge to work on projects with others, such as his siblings, for re-shingling, painting, or remodeling a house, help at church fixing pews or laying sod, or helping  youth groups build Habitat for Humanity homes.

No matter how busy he was, he listened to people, and he listened no matter how long it took for them to tell their story.

Darrell enjoyed being outdoors.  He also used his hands to play, travel to places as far away Alaska and Africa, canoe down the Platte River, set up campfires, cook and serve meals, tell stories to his children, Kathryn & James,  and granddaughter, Lilianna, cheer at super-modified sprint car races with a brother, or clap after a good ballet or live theatre performance.  The men in SUDS ministry team and the men’s Bible study meant a lot to him.  He was grateful to be a part of it, and to help on projects such as cooking and serving pancakes to the rest of the congregation.

Darrell Heuton lived his life joyfully using his hands to care for the people he loved and the land he relied on, the organizations he supported and the creation he treasured, and always  showing people how much he cared. Darrell Heuton returned to his creator on October 25, 2018.

A memorial service will be held at 3 pm on Sunday, November 4, 2018 in the King of Kings Lutheran Church, 2561 Vinewood Lane, Pueblo, CO  81005.