Wilton “Pistol” Heater, 90 years old, of Paducah passed away on August 31, 2025.
Pistol was born on September 10, 1934 in Livingston County on Heater Store Road. His parents were Rachel Ledbetter Heater and Jesse “J.T.” Talmadge Heater. He was married to his wife Barbara Groff Heater for 53 years and the couple operated Heater Auto Supply in Paducah for 37 years following his service in the U.S. Marine Corp. Education was extremely important to Pistol and he received his degree in business from Paducah Junior College and Murray State University.
Pistol was a member of the Immanuel Baptist Church in Paducah for 55 years. He was an avid tennis player and was a member of several tennis clubs in Estero, Florida. Wilton “Pistol” Heater lived a life of service to his wife Barbara, his country, and to his customers at Heater Auto Supply; he always served the needs of others over himself.
Pistol is survived by his son, Jeffrey Heater of St. Louis, Missouri; three grandsons, Oliver, Truman, and Carter; two nieces, Sharon (Kenny) Atherton and Vickie (Bill) Souders; one nephew, Darrell (Julie) McDaniel; and his special friend, Marcia Broadbent.
He is preceded in death by his sister, Judy McDaniel Garner.
A funeral service will be held at 12:00 P.M. on Monday, September 8, 2025 at the Milner and Orr Funeral Home of Paducah with Rev. Randy Rains officiating. Visitation will begin at 10 A.M. and continue until the service begins at noon.
Expressions of sympathy may take the form of gifts to the Immanuel Baptist Church, 3465 Buckner Lane, Paducah, Kentucky 42001.
Share a memory or leave a message of encouragement for the family at www.milnerandorr.com.
