Kenneth Wayne Heffner, 88, of Hickory, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, February 26th, 2026. He was surrounded by his loved ones.
Born on May 5th, 1937, in Catawba County, NC, Kenneth was the son of the late James Clero and Pauline Della Shook Heffner. At the age of 18, he enlisted in the United States Navy and faithfully served his country. He took pride in his time spent in the service and enjoyed talking about his travels aboard the USS Forrestal. Upon his honorable discharge, he met and married the love of his life, Sarah, and raised a family. They faithfully remained together for 66 years until his passing. Kenneth enjoyed the simple things in life. He loved listening to music, traveling and visiting historical sites. However, what he loved most was his family, as evidenced by the life he lived. He was a “family comes first” kind of guy. He lived life to the fullest, cherishing each day as a gift not to be wasted. He invested his time where he knew it mattered most, his grandchildren and great grandchildren. All his life, he was a man deeply devoted and rich in love and family. His family will forever cherish all the fond memories, vacations, family gatherings and photos collected throughout the years.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his brothers and sister, James, Jack, Brenda, Alfred, and Steve.
Those left to cherish his memory include his wife of 66 years, Sarah Emily Canipe Heffner; his children Donna Stikeleather and spouse Bobby Stikeleather; Dennis Heffner and spouse Tina Heffner; grandchildren Zachary Heffner, Benjamin Heffner and spouse Tiffany Heffner; Justin Heffner and spouse Kristina Heffner; Noah Heffner and spouse Juliana Heffner. Great grandchildren include Harley Bryant, Andrew Heffner, Jacob Heffner, Isaiah Heffner, Elijah Heffner, Josiah Heffner, and Abigail Heffner.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Catawba Funeral Home on Tuesday, March 3rd, 2026, from 2:00 pm to 2:45 pm. He will be laid to rest at Catawba Memorial Park following the service.
The family will receive friends prior to the service from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm. Funeral service to follow.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Carolina Caring Catawba Valley Hospice in Kenneth’s name.
Condolences may be left at www.catawbamemorialpark.com.
The Heffner Family is under the care of Catawba Memorial Park, Funeral & Cremations.
