Carl E. “Buddy” Heighton, 66, of Ironton, passed away Tuesday, July 19, 2011, at Community Hospice Care Center in Ashland, Ky.

The Ironton native was born Aug. 7, 1944, a son of the late Carl V. and Dorothy Mae Joseph Heighton.

Buddy attended Ironton City Schools and was a member of Christ United Methodist Church in Ironton. He retired from CSX Rail Road in 2007 as a carman after 43 years of service. In his spare time he and his wife enjoyed working for William Trembly and Associates as a caretaker of the Ironton Hills Shopping Center. He loved the Cincinnati Reds.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a sister who passed away recently, Sharon Ross.

Buddy is survived by his wife of 45 years, Leita “Ade” Willis Heighton whom he married Feb. 26, 1966; two sons, Greg and Julie Heighton of Lexington, Ky., and Timothy and Robyn Heighton of Ashland, Ky.; grandchildren, Greg and Patty both of Lexington, Robert, Timothy, Desiree, Mark and McKenzie all of Ashland; a twin sister; Regina Willis of Ironton; a loving niece, Heather Willis of Ironton and several nieces and nephews and cousins.

Graveside services will be 1 p.m. Friday in Woodland Cemetery with the Rev. Richard Carter officiating. Visitation will be Friday from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Friday at Phillips Funeral Home. To offer condolences to the family please visit www.phillipsfuneralhome.net.