Donald Lee Heathcoat

Donald Lee Heathcoat, 74, born on November 1, 1945, in Phoenix , AZ, United States, passed away Monday, August 24, 2020 in Covina, CA, United States.

After graduating from Covina High School, Don earned a baccalaureate from Whittier College, later earning two master's degrees in Education and Psychology from Azusa Pacific and an administrative credential from CSULA. He taught at Baldwin Elementary in La Puente for almost 40 years, impacting the lives of thousands of children. A man of many interests, he sang and played the guitar and six other instruments, wrote poetry and plays, and adored his canine and feline kids. He was an avid boater, fisherman, and competitive spearfisher. He carried multicolored pens in the chest pocket of colorful cowboy shirts, always ready to complete a crossword puzzle. He was a master of half-finished home improvement projects, often set aside to read a good book.

Don was preceded in death by his father, Donald, and mother, Yvonne. He is survived by his wife Janet, children Scott, Elizabeth, James, and Mary, his sister Kimberley, five grandchildren, and several cousins, nieces, and nephews.

A memorial will be held at a future date. Arrangements are under the direction of Forest Lawn, Covina Hills, California. Donations in his memory may be sent to: Santé D'Or Animal Rescue Foundation (santedor.org/donate/) or PBS SoCal (https://www.pbssocal.org/support/donate/).