Bob Heaton was born and raised in House District 46. Growing up in Clay County, Heaton graduated from Clay City High School in 1975. After attending the University of Denver for two years (1975-1977), Heaton returned home to play basketball for the Indiana State Sycamores from 1977-1980. In 1979, Heaton played along side Larry Bird as the Sycamores reached the NCAA Championship game. Heaton graduated from Indiana State University in 1980 with a Bachelor of Science degree.

Upon graduation, Heaton began his career in the life insurance industry. Heaton is currently employed with Heaton Financial Services, Inc., helping clients with life insurance, disability insurance, long-term care, mutual funds and variable annuities. Heaton and his wife of 27 years, Jane Ann, have two children. Allison, 24, is a pharmacist at Riley Children's Hospital and was recently married to Andrew Russell, and Travis, 21, is currently at student at Purdue University in West Lafayette, IN.

When not spending time with his family or working, Heaton is very involved in the community, serving on several boards and working closely with his church. Heaton currently serves on the boards of the Terre Haute Boys and Girls Club, the Wabash Valley Youth for Christ and the Terre Haute Convention and Visitors Bureau. Heaton is also a member of the Terre Haute Downtown Rotary Club. Heaton is a member of Leadership Terre Haute, Class 5, and is also a member and Deacon of the Cory Zion Church in Cory, IN.