MPE Founder Bill Heaberlin Passes

Bill Heaberlin - 1947-2025

It is with profound sadness that we announce MPE Entertainment founder Bill Heaberlin entered eternal rest Wednesday October 21st. Bill founded MPE in 1971 and celebrated over 50 years in the entertainment business.

Bill garnered countless awards and milestones both personally and professionally throughout his life and career. Booking and producing thousands of concerts and events, Bill’s passion was in every detail and he leaves a legacy that will continue bringing smiles for year’s to come.

Please share a smile with someone today and think of Bill as we prepare to celebrate his life. Details will be forthcoming.

Full Obituary:

William A. “Bill” Heaberlin, age 78, of Huntington, West Virginia, passed away on October 21, 2025.

He was born on January 14, 1947, in Beckley, WV, the son of Donald Franklin Heaberlin and Edith (McKinney) Heaberlin. He was the grandson of James and Emma Heaberlin, and Isaac and Bertha McKinney.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, parents, younger brother Gary, first wife Claire, nephew Rusty Gross, sister Shirley VanHorne, special friend Allen Stotler, and son Michael.

He is survived by his devoted wife Deborah (Smith) Heaberlin; a brother, Donald F. Heaberlin, Jr. (Karen) of Lebanon, OH; a sister Katy Jo Heaberlin and a niece Kathy Lynn VanHorne, both of Centerville, VA; special friend Gerry Ogbozo; and three grandchildren, Branden, Jarrod and Julie.

Heaberlin was a graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School, Beckley College, and Marshall University, where he earned both BA and MA degrees. He served for eight years on the Board of Directors of the MU Alumni Association, and was part of the Sesquicentennial Committee which planned the 150th anniversary celebration. He was a member of the Huntington Regional Chamber of Commerce, the International Theatrical Agencies Association (two-term president), the International Entertainment Buyers Association, the International Association of Fairs and Expositions, served eight years on the Board of the Cabell-Huntington Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Country Music Association, the Board of Directors of the Keith Albee Performing Arts Center, and St. Peter Claver Catholic Church of Huntington, WV.

Heaberlin was founder of Media Promotion Enterprises (MPE Entertainment), a firm that books and produces entertainment events for many festivals, corporate functions, and special events across the country. For over two decades, he served as producer of the Marshall Artist Series. MPE was tapped to produce the premiere of the Warner Brothers Motion Picture “We Are Marshall” as well as “Project Welcome Home” for the military following the war in Desert Storm.

In 2014 MPE named Joe Eddins as partner and co-owner of MPE. MPE will continue to carry on the legacy of Bill Heaberlin under the leadership of Eddins becoming the owner and remaining President of the company.

A lifelong musician, he performed for 40 years with the popular band The Gentleman III.

Visitation will be on Sunday, October 26, 2025, from 4-6 p.m. at Reger Funeral Home (Video Slideshow Here). A mass of Christian burial will be held at St. Peter Claver Catholic Church on Monday, October 27, 2025, at 11:11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Keith Albee Performing Arts Center, 925 4th Avenue, Huntington, WV, or St. Peter Claver Catholic Church, 828 15th Street, Huntington, WV.

Donate to KAPAC: Click Here

From Joe Eddins - MPE President

Bill was a championed mentor who taught integrity, the importance of relationships and a turn-key work ethic. While I’m saddened to lose my business partner I’m honored to carry the torch forward and continue to grow our company on the principles in which he instilled in us all.

It is hard to believe we have been together for over 27 years and have been business partners owning the company together for over 11 years growing it to its highest peak in company history. MPE has brought joy to hundreds of thousands of people in the last 54 years working with an unlimited number of national acts and that is the legacy Bill leaves behind for us to continue for hundreds of thousands more. Rest easy my friend, we will take it from here making sure the show goes on and the smiles never end.