Zachary "Zack" Sean Heffner Ceola Cotter

Zachary Sean Heffner Ceola Cotter was born on June 8, 1981, in Rogers, Arkansas. He grew up in Rogers and El Dorado, Arkansas, as well as Tulsa, Oklahoma, places that shaped his love for family, community, and home.

Zachary graduated in 1999 from East Central High School in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where he stood out not only for his athletic ability but also for his determination and leadership. He was honored as an MVP basketball player, a reflection of his competitive spirit and drive. As an adult, Zachary became a self-employed tile business owner and served as CEO of his own company, taking great pride in his work and independence.

Zachary was a devoted Razorback fan, loved grilling and smoking meats, a lifelong lover of Volkswagens, and someone who believed deeply in the importance of youth sports and mentorship. When he was born, his arrival represented a unique dual fifth-generation family lineage on his mother’s side, a meaningful legacy that connected generations before and after him.

Zachary was preceded in death by his mother, Shana Louise Heffner; his aunt, Cynthia M. Ceola of Shreveport, Louisiana; his grandparents, Papa and Meemaw; Lester and Leota Ceola; his great-grandparents Todd of Hindsville, Arkansas, and Ceola of Tontitown, Arkansas; his great-grandparents Pardue of Hindsville, Arkansas, and Cigianero of Tontitown, Arkansas; and beloved family members Granny Bee, Aunt Toot of Rogers, Arkansas, and Grandpa Bugs of Santa Cruz, California.

He is survived by his father, Rick Cotter (Christy Martin) of Rogers, Arkansas; Fiancée and soulmate April Babinec and son Waylon; his sisters, Karissa Jean Heffner of Sand Springs, Oklahoma, and Chelsea Cotter of Fayetteville, Arkansas; his brothers, Nicholas B. Heffner of Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Cory Cotter of Charolette, North Carolina; his uncles, Todd Cotter of Santa Cruz, California. Kevin Ceola of Rogers, Arkansas, and Tom Cotter (Brenda Black) of Rogers, Arkansas; his aunts, Leticia Ceola Wilson (Larry) of Fayetteville, Arkansas, Anne Ceola Scott and Uncle Neil Scott of Garfield, Arkansas, Tanya Cotter of Rogers, Arkansas, and Penny Cotter of Santa Cruz, California; along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins who will forever hold his memory close.

Zachary will be remembered for his strong work ethic, his love of family, his passion for sports, and his unwavering Razorback pride. He leaves behind a legacy of determination, loyalty, and love that will live on in the hearts of those who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, those attending the memorial service will have the opportunity to make a monetary donation, either publicly or anonymously. Contributions may be made to support the family or directed toward a youth sports organization, honoring Zachary’s love for young athletes and the impact sports had on his life.