Major Arnell Errington Heaps

Arnell passed away peacefully at the Payson Central Utah Veterans Home on March 3, 2017.
He was born December 6, 1931 in Escalante, Utah to Errington and Nola Adair Heaps. They relocated to Payson when he was 12.

He served an LDS mission from 1951 to 1953 in the East Central Mission in the United States. In April of 1953, he was drafted into the Army where he went into Ranger training in S-2 Intelligence in the Korean Conflict. While attending BYU (1955-1957: He received his BA of Accounting with minors in finance, banking, mathematics, and economics – Later he obtained his Masters of Education Administration at the U of U in 1959), he joined the Air Force ROTC, remained active in the Air Force Reserves, and achieved the rank of Major.  He retired from military services in 1991.

On September 7, 1956, he married Shawna Marie Lasson in the Manti LDS Temple. She passed away October 18, 1962 at the age of 27 – leaving Arnell with 3 small boys: Dennis (5), David (3), and Lynn (2).  He married Louise Moss Johnson in June 1963.  Louise had 2 children: Robyn (6) and Bill (4). They divorced in 1990 (after 27 years). He married Mary Kathyrn Crabtree in 1991 until 1998.  He is now survived by his wife, Andrea Bell Farr, whom he married May 1, 2004.

He began his teaching career in 1959 at South Davis Jr High; later at Woods Cross High School in 1972, serving as a department chair until he retired in 1987. While teaching, he supplemented his income for his growing family by learning to develop subdivisions – he developed 11 in total. He enjoyed serving on the South Davis Sewer Board for 33 years and 12 years on the State Board. He met many wonderful people and made many long-lasting friendships. Upon retirement, he pursued one of his great passions: traveling the world.  He visited all 7 continents, all 50 states, and 51 different LDS temples.

He was active in his church and enjoyed many callings.  His other hobbies included hunting, fishing, horseback riding, snowmobiling, boating and dancing.

He is survived by his wife, Andrea; his sister, Jerlie Heaps Kay; his sons, Dennis (Claudia), David, and Lynn; stepchildren, Robyn and Bill; along with 18 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his wife, parents, and granddaughter.

His family would like to thank the caregivers at the Payson Central Utah Veterans Home for the wonderful assistance and care they provided during some very difficult times for him.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, March 8, 2017 at the Stone Creek Ward, 1476 North 300 West, Bountiful. A viewing will be held Tuesday evening from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Russon Mortuary, 295 North Main, Bountiful and Wednesday morning 9:30-10:30 a.m. at the church prior to services. Interment-Bountiful City Cemetery.