Ken was born in Richmond, Virginia, on August 14, 1945, to Paul and Pauline Heffley. Ken grew up in Foosland Illinois, and graduated from Gibson City High School in 1963. Graduated from Eastern Illinois University, Summa Cum Laude, with a Master’s in Fine Arts, in1971.
Ken married Mary Elizabeth Swanson in 1966, who together they had two children, Renee Ness of Daytona Beach Shores and Eric Heffley of Sarasota, Florida.
He taught sculpture, ceramics, design, and art, full time at Triton College in River Grove, Illinois, for nearly 30 years. Ken was an accomplished football player and excelled in discus and shot put, breaking many school and state records. He went on to play football at Eastern Illinois University.
Ken was a dare devil with an unlimited sense of adventure, a huge heart, and was a big practical joker! He was generous to a fault and extended his home to whomever in need, including family, friends, and three different foster children. On his summers off from teaching, he took his family traveling and exploring all across the country, in cars loaded with camping gear first, then pulling trailers, and on to his own customized vans and motor homes… “Heffley Happy Daises” according to his custom-made spare tire cover. In the winter time, he took his family snow skiing and ended up designing and building a ski chalet at Ski Brule, Michigan.
He loved God, his large extended family, traveling, rock climbing, cave exploring and snorkeling – pretty much anything off the beaten path. He had boundless creativity and energy for both his work and family.
He was an accomplished Sculptor and commissioned to create a larger than life statue commemorating astronaut Eugene Cernan. He created another free-form sculpture for the Gibson City Women’s club.
He loved to write poetry honoring God and express love for his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He loved to cook, and prepared army-sized meals for homeless shelters through the Port Orange Christian Church.
Ken had a Green thumb, and loved working in the yard and keeping it beautiful.
He had multiple back surgeries and experienced years of chronic pain. He is in a much better place now, with a new body, and finally free from pain.
Ken is survived by his wife Mary Swanson Heffley, who was faithful to him for over 50 years and together they loved to cruise and explore the world.
Also survived by brothers and sisters: Connie Heffley Haruch, (John); Laura Heffley Henry, Terry); Sharon Heffley Lund; Paul Vernon Heffley Jr. (Carolyn); William D Heffley. Also by his four grandchildren: RJ Ness; Joey Ness; Quentin Heffley; Bekai Heffley. Preceding him in death, his parents Paul Vernon Heffley and Letha Pauline Heffley, his sister Paullan Heffley, his brother Richard M Heffley.
In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations in memory of Ken Heffley be made to the Port Orange Christian Church at 904 Taylor Branch Rd, Port Orange FL, 32127.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18