Dr. Anthony Glen “Tony” Heaton — Oct. 20, 1940 - Feb. 24, 2026

    Anthony Glen “Tony” Heaton was born Oct. 20, 1940, at his family home in Erie, Colo. He passed away peacefully at home on Feb. 24, 2026, in Deer Lodge, surrounded by his loving family and his two beloved puppies.
    Tony grew up in Colorado, the son of a miner and dairy farmer. He faced profound loss at a young age when his mother passed away when he was just 10 years old. At 12, he made a decision that would shape the rest of his life - he would become a veterinarian. That dream became reality when he graduated from Mead High School in 1958 and was accepted into veterinary school at Colorado State University.
    During his sophomore year at CSU, Tony met the love of his life, Sandy. They were married on Dec. 19, 1964, in Pueblo, Colo. The summer of his junior year, Tony accepted an internship at Clark Fork Veterinary Clinic in Deer Lodge. He quickly fell in love with Montana - its people, its beauty and its way of life. Tony and Sandy both graduated from CSU in June of 1965, and that same year they made Deer Lodge their home. Tony began working part time at Clark Fork Veterinary Clinic and part time as a meat inspector at the slaughterhouse at Montana State Prison.
    In 1970, Tony became a partner at Clark Fork Veterinary Clinic. In 2005, he and his longtime partners, Paul Bissonette and Fred Metcalf, sold the clinic. Tony continued practicing part time until fully retiring in 2009. Being a veterinarian was not just a career - it was his lifelong passion. He cared deeply for both animals and the families who loved them.
    Tony was devoted to his community. He joined the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks in 1966 and served as Exalted Ruler in 1970. He later became chaplain and president of the Past Exalted Ruler Club. He joined the Masons in 1968 and became a Shriner in May 1969, where he proudly played in the Oriental Band. He and Sandy were also members of Floral Chapter No. 46 Order of Eastern Star. Tony also served on the District 1 School Board from 1973 to 1977 and was a member of the Pioneer Federal Savings and Loan Board from 1994 until 2018. From 2011 to 2019, he volunteered at Deer Lodge Medical Center. One of his greatest honors was hosting the Montana Air National Guard 120th Medical Group’s annual summer family day for several years at his and Sandy’s property along the Missouri River in Cascade, Montana.
    Above all else, Tony was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He and Sandy shared 61 wonderful years of marriage and raised three sons: Rodney Glen (Kim), Anthony Ray (Renee), and Christopher Brian (Cyndy). He was incredibly proud of his boys and treasured his grandchildren Austin, Kody, Bryan Lee, Josie, and Kylie.
    Tony is survived by his beloved wife, Sandy; his three sons and their spouses; and his five grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father, Anthony Heaton Jr., and his mother, Lyna Price.
    A Celebration of Life will be held at 1 p.m. on Sunday, March 15, at the Elks Lodge in Deer Lodge. A reception luncheon will be held at the Elks Lodge, where family and friends are invited to gather and share their favorite memories of Tony. Burial will take place at Hillcrest Cemetery on Monday, March 16 at 10:00 a.m.
    Memorial donations may be made to Shriners (314 W. Park, Butte, MT), Deer Lodge Elks Lodge No. 1737 (230 Main Street, Deer Lodge, MT), or the Clark Fork Veterinary Care Program (3707 N Frontage Road, Deer Lodge, MT). Flowers for the service may be delivered directly to Sandy at 1015 Kohrs Street, Deer Lodge, MT, or to the Elks Lodge.
    Tony’s life was defined by service — to his family, his profession, and his community. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.