Jeffery Dale Heath

Jeffery Dale “Red” Heath, 38, of Columbia, Missouri, passed away on March 5, 2026, at Boone Hospital Center, surrounded by loved ones, after an eight-month battle with pancreatic cancer.

Jeff was a beloved son, fiancé, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin, and friend.

Jeff will be missed every day by his parents, Terry and Marty Heath; his fiancée, Lawanna Rothman; and his sister, Heather Patton. He also leaves behind his paternal grandfather, Melvin Heath; brother-in-law John Patton; nieces Lauren Rupple and Jenna Patton; nephew Mason Patton; great-niece Landrie Rupple; and his fiancée’s children, Trenten Rothman (Addison) and Isabella Hatton, as well as her grandsons, Kingstyn and Mikah Rothman.

He is further survived by his uncle Andrew (Carrie) Sheridan of Chesterfield, Missouri; aunts Cindy Pudney of Columbia, Missouri, Heather (Dave) Maier of Parkville, Missouri, and Jeanita (Tony) Harrison of Mexico, Missouri; along with many cousins, friends, and neighbors.

Jeff grew up in the Midway community and made lifelong friendships with classmates from Midway Heights Elementary, Smithton, West Junior High, Hickman High School, and Douglas.

Jeff enjoyed many hobbies throughout his life. As a child, he spent countless hours skateboarding. Later, he loved hiking, walking creeks, hunting arrowheads, and collecting rocks of all sizes. He had a deep appreciation for art, drawing, and painting, and enjoyed collecting sports cards and watches. Jeff loved to cook, camp, and fish, and he had a remarkable talent for mastering animal calls. He also became an exceptionally skilled driver of Traxxas remote-controlled cars.

Jeff was known for his profound sense of humor, his sincere heart, and his love for animals—and shoes.

He was welcomed into eternity by his maternal grandparents, Jim and Sharon Sheridan; his paternal grandmother, Shirley Heath; his maternal and paternal great-grandparents; and many treasured uncles, aunts, and cousins.

Jeff was loved every day of his life on earth and will continue to be loved in heaven.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, March 19, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Stephens Lake Park, Riechmann Pavilion, 2300 E. Walnut Street, Columbia, MO 65201.

Memorials in honor of Jeff Heath may be directed to:
Vincent P. Gurucharri Foundation
2000 E. Broadway, #213
Columbia, MO 65201