Kenneth Heathington

Kenneth Wayne Heathington was born on November 2, 1936, in Gorman, Texas, to Webb and Irene Heathington. Ken was an only child who grew up in Central Texas,attending schools in Gorman, Duster, and DeLeon.

As a kid, he farmed peanuts and raised quarter horses—learning early the value of hard work and a deep love for the land. In middle school band, he met Betty Sue Rodgers, where they both played the clarinet. What began as a simple friendship grew into a lifelong love story. On December 21, 1957, Ken and Betty Sue were married, beginning a partnership that would last more than 67 years.

Their journey together began in Austin, Texas, where Ken earned his bachelor’s degree in petroleum engineering from the University of Texas. Shortly after, he and Betty Sue welcomed their only child, Joni, in 1960. A stint in the Army followed, with Ken stationed at Fort Lee, before life took the young family back to Texas, where Ken earned his master’s degree in civil engineering at the University of Texas. They would then move to Chicago, where Ken earned his doctorate in civil engineering at Northwestern University. From there, they moved to West Lafayette, Indiana, where Ken joined the faculty at Purdue University.

Ken’s career evolved into transportation engineering—a field that became his life’s work. In 1972, he accepted a position as the Transportation Research Director at the University of Tennessee, where he dedicated himself to research and innovation in the field. His work included a brief stint in Washington, D.C., with the NTSB and the U.S. Department of Transportation under the Carter administration. Ultimately, he returned to UT and became Associate Vice President of Research before eventually starting his own consulting firm, Applied Research Associates, as an expert witness in railroad accidents.

Ken loved work, and he loved building things—especially homes. One of his greatest joys came later in life when he returned to Texas to design and build his ranch. There,he raised horses and Angus cattle, creating the place that reflected his heart and his roots. It was his way of returning home to the state he loved so dearly.

He and Betty Sue also shared a love for travel, visiting the United Kingdom, Europe,South Africa, China, Argentina, and Brazil—always eager for the next adventure. Ken was constantly planning, moving, and creating—he always had a project going. He never forgot where he came from and was proud to have built a successful life from humble beginnings.

In his final years, Ken spent his days surrounded by family and friends in Franklin,Tennessee, his home since 2012.

He is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Betty Sue Heathington; his daughter,Joni Myers (Bobby); his granddaughters, Megan Smith (Jason), Molly Belton(Cameron), and Melody Brooke Myers; and four cherished great-grandchildren,Charley, Duke, Hank, and James.

Ken’s life was one of love, learning, and legacy—a man who built not just homes and ranches, but a lifetime of memories for those he loved most.

A private burial will be held with family present.