Carlos Heatherly

   Carlos Oliver Heatherly, Jr. passed away on February 4th, 2026. He was 85 years old and will be dearly missed as a beloved family member and friend.
   Born in Friendsville, Tennessee, Carlos was the middle child of Oliver and Eunice (Bridges) Heatherly. When he was a toddler, his family moved to their farm in Greenback, Tennessee, where he spent much of his early life milking their Guernsey herd and growing crops, including tobacco. This is where he learned the values of hard work, family devotion, and perseverance that guided him throughout his life. He carried a lifelong love of farming and the land. He was baptized in the Tennessee River, a turning point that guided his life. He was involved in FFA and won a prestigious scholarship that paid for his first year at the University of Tennessee.
   Carlos came to Iowa to work and learn about a bigger dairy operation. While there, he attended a Grange dance, where he met the love of his life, Martha Davis. The two were united in marriage on December 27, 1960, marking the beginning of a partnership rooted in love, dedication, and shared purpose. They lived their first 11 years of marriage in Newton before moving to Sully, where they spent the remainder of their years together. They were married for 50 years until Martha’s passing.
   Together, Carlos and Martha built a loving family and raised three daughters: Lisa (Bill Conner), Lennis (Jeff Mathews), and Linette (Bryan Bowser) Heatherly. A gifted writer, he expressed love through poetry, often creating heartfelt poems for family members. He also loved to laugh and share jokes, bringing warmth and humor to family gatherings and everyday moments.
   Carlos spent much of his life working as a carpenter, or as he liked to say, a “board-bender.” He took great pride in his craft and the work he did with his hands. His family remembers him as someone who could fix or build anything, always willing to lend his skills to help his family and make things better for those he loved. His craftsmanship was equally remarkable, and his woodworking skills earned national recognition from Popular Mechanics for a playhouse he designed and built for his daughters. This project symbolized both his creativity and devotion as a father.
   Carlos was known for his kindness, strength of character, and deep commitment to those he loved. A faithful servant of Christ, he lived his life with quiet humility and steady purpose. He touched the lives of many through his carpentry, his words, and his example. He will be remembered for his love of family, his work ethic, and the lasting impact he made on everyone who knew him.
   Carlos is survived by his daughters, his grandchildren: Grace (David) Major, Joseph Held, Anna (Justin Cruz) Held, Faith Held, Jessica (Nathan) Zebrowski, Samantha Bowser, and Benjamin Bowser; and his sister, Sherley Shuler, along with extended family members and friends, who will miss him deeply. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Martha; his parents; his brother; and his parents-in-law, George and Wilma Davis.
   A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, February 14, 2026, at the Wallace Family Funeral Home and Crematory in Newton. The family will greet friends with a coffee time at the funeral home following the service. Memorials in Carlos’ name—to be used for a scholarship—can be left at the funeral home. (Please make checks payable to Linette Heatherly)

   Carlos will be remembered always for his love, his strength, and the legacy he leaves through his family.
   “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Matthew 25:23

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