Dr. Earl Joseph Heath, 83, of 6006 Brandy Chase Cove, Fort Wayne, and formerly of Winona Lake, passed into eternity following a sudden illness at 11:10 a.m. September 17, 2011, in Parkview Hospital, Fort Wayne.
He was born Oct. 1, 1927, in Waldheim, La., to Hiram Francis and Elma Fatima Quave Heath. On Nov. 5, 1950, in Hammond, La., he married Betty Jean Needham, who survives.
Formerly of West Lafayette and Covington, La., he resided in Winona Lake, beginning in 1995, with family, and then moved into Grace Village Retirement Community, Winona Lake. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy, and honorably served during World War II. He then attended Louisiana College, completed graduate studies at Ball State University and his doctorate in special education and counseling psychology at Indiana University. He served in administrative capacities at New Castle State Hospital, Fort Wayne State School and Purdue University, besides several state and national organizations in his field of expertise during his career. At Purdue University, West Lafayette, he was a professor of special education. He belonged to the Church of God, Anderson.
Also surviving are a daughter, Dianne (and spouse Richard) Ellsworth, Warsaw; a son, Earl Joseph (and spouse Teresa) Heath Jr., Kansas; five grandchildren, Ryan and Lucas Ellsworth and David, Daniel and Rebekah Heath; and a sister, Melba Heath, Utah). He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister.
Services will be at noon Wednesday at Church of God, 123 Linden Lane, Chesterfield, officiated by the Rev. Earl Joseph Health Jr., assisted by the Rev. Eugene Fountleroy. A graveside service will follow at Maplewood Cemetery, Anderson.
Calling is from 3 to 5 and 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home, 225 Argonne Road, Warsaw, and one hour prior to the service Wednesday at the church.
***** Condolences may be sent via www.redpathfruthfuneralhome.com
