Randy J. Heflin

Born on March 15, 1970, in Mount Clemens, Michigan, Randy later made his home in North Manchester, Indiana. He lived a life marked by curiosity, creativity, service, and a deep appreciation for the things he loved most: sports, music, reading, and writing.

From an early age, Randy's passion for sports was evident and he remained an avid sports enthusiast throughout his life. His knowledge of sports was remarkable, and he could effortlessly recite statistics, scores, and historical facts involving college football, professional football, and Major League Baseball, especially when it involved Notre Dame football, the Chicago Bears, or the Chicago Cubs. Whether watching a game, discussing a team's prospects, or reliving classic moments, Randy's enthusiasm for sports was infectious.

Equally strong was Randy's creative spirit. During high school, he was an active member of the debate club, the drama club and was a percussionist in the school band. As an adult, Randy was teaching himself to play guitar and spent many hours deep in thought writing. He authored countless short stories and co-created and co-authored the comic series Chicken Wing Man, a fast-paced, silly, and pun-driven comic about a chicken-suited hero battling a talking pizza villain. Music, writing, and creativity remained lifelong passions and sources of joy, inspiration, and connection throughout his life.

In July 1991, Randy answered the call to serve his country by enlisting in the United States Air Force as a Cardiopulmonary Technician. Throughout more than nine years of honorable service, he demonstrated a steadfast commitment to caring for others. Randy's expertise, compassion, and professionalism made him a valued member of the military healthcare community.

During his time in the Air Force, Randy volunteered to serve as a Critical Care Air Transport Team (CCATT) member, charged with providing advanced medical care to injured service members during aeromedical transport flights. His willingness to volunteer for these demanding missions reflected both his selflessness and his dedication to serving others in times of greatest need. Randy was honorably discharged from the Air Force in November 2000, leaving behind a legacy of service, compassion, and professionalism that continued to influence those who knew him long after his military career ended.

After his military service, life eventually brought Randy and his family to Prairieville, Louisiana, where he continued his lifelong commitment to serving others. In 2008, Randy joined the Ascension Parish Sheriff's Office, embarking on a second career dedicated to protecting and supporting his community. During his more than 17 years with APSO, he proudly served in both the Patrol Division and as a Detective. Whether responding to calls for service, conducting investigations, or assisting members of the community, Randy carried himself with the same professionalism, integrity, and compassion that had defined his military service.

Randy will be remembered for his quick wit, boundless imagination, intellectual curiosity, and unwavering loyalty to those he loved. Whether sharing an obscure sports statistic, discussing music, crafting a new story, or making others laugh with his unique sense of humor, he had a gift for connecting with people and leaving a lasting impression. He found joy in life's simple pleasures: enjoying a cup of coffee, playing Wordle, discovering new music, losing himself in a good book, writing down his latest ideas, and spending time with family and friends.

Throughout his life, Randy was blessed with enduring friendships. His lifelong bond with Curt Beery, Robin Beery, Michael Brown, T.A. Inskeep, Peter Rhee, and Shawn Yeakle was a source of laughter, support, and countless treasured memories spanning decades.

Randy is survived by his loving wife, Niki Heflin (née Cooper); his children, Erin, Trey (Laurel), Skylar, and Cooper; his parents, Danny and Christina Heflin (née Pype); his sisters, Renee Howell and Rachel Sartori (James); his nieces, Adriana Howell and Ava Sartori; his rescue dogs Pepper Potts and Peter Parker; and many cherished aunts, uncles, extended family members, colleagues, and friends.

Randy was preceded in death by his grandparents, Marcella and Gaston Pype and Velma and James Heflin, and his cousin, James "J.R." Tomlinson.

Though he is no longer with us, Randy's memory lives on in the hearts of his family, friends, fellow service members, law enforcement colleagues, and all whose lives he touched. For a devoted Notre Dame fan like Randy, having sung his last victory march on earth, we take comfort in imagining that he has finally made his way home to the shadow of the Golden Dome, where the spirit of the Fighting Irish lives on and where every Saturday is game day.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Prairieville, Louisiana, from 9:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m., followed immediately by a Mass of Christian Burial.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to Skylar’s https://gift.my529.org/DEPCNS and Cooper’s https://gift.my529.org/62XIC7 college funds or Friends of the Animals Baton Rouge or the Ascension Parish Library in Randy’s memory.