Edward Dixon "Ed" Heath

Edward Dixon “Ed” Heath, USAF Lt. Col. (ret.), a computing administrator and academic advisor who put family, community, and kindness above all else, died on December 26, 2017 in Indianapolis. He was 82. His devotion to family and delight in gatherings during the holidays found him enjoying celebrations Christmas morning surrounded by his wife and many children and grandchildren at his home in Bloomington before falling suddenly ill that afternoon and ultimately dying of heart failure the next evening. Ed battled and beat colorectal cancer earlier this year and had been home for the last two months. Ed’s family would like to express appreciation to IU Bloomington Hospital, Bloomington doctors and nurses, Bell Trace Rehabilitation Center, Franciscan Hospital, and Methodist Hospital for their excellent care and support. Ed was born to Edward D. Rou, Jr., and Cecile (Ritter) Whipple in Gainesville, Florida, in 1935 and was also son to Lowell F. Heath after his mother’s remarriage. He grew up in Reddick, Florida, and Indianapolis, graduating from Ben Davis High School in 1954. He earned his B.A. in political science from Indiana University in 1957, certificate in meteorology at St. Louis University in 1958, and M.S. in public administration from George Washington University in 1972. He also attended Oklahoma University and George Mason University for graduate work. While at Indiana, Ed joined Phi Kappa Psi fraternity. He traveled extensively during his first career in the Air Force Air Weather Service, stationed in England, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Texas, Virginia, Greenland, Illinois, and again Virginia before retiring as Lt. Colonel there in 1983. His work with meteorological computing systems led to further work in computing in the Defense Communications Service and then as director of academic computing at George Mason University, 1983-1990. He held a similar role at Catholic University before his last and, he would often say, most rewarding career change to academic advising in the healthcare field at Indiana University, 1994-2011. He so enjoyed helping students and took such great pride in their accomplishments he would often make connections to them with anyone he encountered in the medical field. Ed’s passion for family and for helping others ties strongly to his faith and involvement in the United Methodist Church. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Linda (Cater) Heath, whom he met in 1964 while he was stationed at Barksdale Air Force Base and married in 1965. Survivors from the immediate family also include his sister Carolyn Heath (John Agen), son James R. Heath (Mary Duray), daughter-in-law Bridgette I. Heath, daughter Melanie H. Priest (D. Wesley Priest), son David E. Heath (Alice B. Heath), and nine grandchildren: Rory Priest, Erica Heath, Bailey Priest, Sylaine Duray, John Heath, Elijah Heath, Keegan Priest, Audrey Priest, and Nicholas Heath. Ed is also survived by nieces, nephews, and many cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward D. Rou, Jr., Cecile (Ritter) Whipple, and Lowell Heath; sister, Nancy Rou; and son, John E. Heath. In light of his love for spring, a memorial service will be held April 14, 2018, at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers and in the spirit and celebration of Ed’s life, please consider a donation to St. Mark’s United Methodist Church or to the Indiana University Foundation in his memory, toward the establishment of a scholarship for students in the healthcare field. You are invited to share a memory or leave an online condolence to the family at www.allencares.com.

Tributes

Edward Dixon "Ed" Heath

May 3, 1935 - December 26, 2017