Orlin Heyen

STAFFORD - Orlin ValDean Heyen, 78, of Stafford went to be in the arms of Jesus Tuesday, November 23, 2010 at the Stafford County Hospital after battling cancer. Orlin was born to Cobus (C.J.) and Martha Heyen on July 20, 1932 in Stafford, Kansas. Orlin graduated from Hudson High School in 1951. He attended Hutchinson Junior College in 1952, and graduated from Wichita Technical Institute as an electronic technician in 1954. On September 13, 1958, Orlin married Dortha Dietz, and the two were blessed with five children and thirteen grandchildren. Throughout his life, Orlin made substantial contributions to the community serving as: Deacon and Elder of Stafford Church of Christ; President of the Stafford County Farmer’s Union; President of Kansas Flying Farmers; President of the Stafford Optimist Club; manager of the Stafford Meat Locker; Board of Directors for the Stafford Co-op; First President of Stafford Lake; President of Lions Club; East Cooper Township Board; Board of Directors for Stafford Development Corp.; and Board of Directors for Stafford Enterprise.

Orlin successfully farmed in six Kansas counties: Stafford, Ford, Gray, Meade, Seward and Morton. He also farmed in Kiowa and Washington Counties in Colorado.

Orlin is survived by his wife, Dortha Heyen and their five children: Kimela and husband Paul Tipton of Dallas Texas; Shari Heyen of Houston, Texas; Bruce and wife Janell Heyen of Hillsboro, Kansas; Robert and wife Molly Heyen of Houston, Texas; and Don and wife Wynn Heyen of Wichita Falls, Texas; and his thirteen grandchildren: Elizabeth, Benjamin, Emma, Elise, Natalie, Claire, Abby, Jared, Konrad, William, Mary Elena, Jake and Levi Heyen.

Orlin has inspired all of us in the Stafford community and has been lauded for his exemplary service to his fellow Kansans and for his contributions to agriculture and dedication to the Lord. Orlin was a devoted Christian, husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend who loved, and was loved. He will be greatly missed, but he continues to be an example for all of us.

Funeral Services will be Saturday, November 27 at 10:00a.m. at the Stafford Church of Christ, 419 N. Main St. with interment at Stafford Cemetery.

Family will receive friends 4-7 p.m. Friday at Minnis Chapel, 125 N. Main, Stafford. In lieu of flowers family requests memorials to Stafford Church of Christ, Stafford County Hospital or memorial of your choice, in care of the chapel.