
William “Doug” Heavner, age 73, of Byron Center, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 16, 2023 surrounded by his family. Doug was born and raised in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains in Hickory, North Carolina and moved to Michigan at 11 years old. He was a 1969 graduate of Godwin Heights High School where he was an athlete; playing football, basketball, and baseball. He retired after over 20 years of service with Steelcase and continued to help his wife Anita and family run their restaurant, Taco Boy. Doug was an outdoorsman, he loved hunting and fishing. He was also a music-lover and enjoyed playing drums in a band. He loved painting and art and enjoyed helping his kids and grandkids with their art projects when they were young. Doug and Anita attended ResLife Church for many years and trusted in God as his Savior. Above all, he cherished his family and was so proud of his kids and grandkids. Together with his wife, he enjoyed trips to the casino, supporting and watching his grandkids in their sports and concerts, and going on family camping trips. Doug will be remembered for being opinionated but wise, sometimes stubborn, and always having a sense of humor. He will be greatly missed for his laugh, his love for life even through trials, and love for his family. He was preceded in death by his parents, William “Bud” and Mildred Heavner. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 51 years, Anita; children, Christy (Dave) Mason, Brian (Stephanie) Heavner, Tara (Josh) Keur, Sue (Tyler) Johnson; 18 grandchildren, Tyler, Ashley, Shania, Corey, Maddie, Collin, Gavin, Mia, Gus, Katelyn, Megan, Briana, Brody, Hunter, Annika, Carter, Nathan, Camden; siblings, Lynn Vecziedins, Phyllis (Mike) Vernon, Rich (Amy) Heavner, Kim Vernon; parents-in-law, Juanita (Robert) Baltierrez; siblings-in-law, Jose (Lynne) Hernandez, Lee (Chuck) TenBrink, Bob (Chris) Baltierrez; many nieces, nephews, and family in North Carolina. Funeral services will be held at 11:30 am on Saturday, June 24 at MKD Stegenga Funeral Chapel, 1601 Post Drive NE, Belmont, MI with Rev. Mike Peters officiating. Burial will take place at Plainfield Township Cemetery. Relatives and friends may meet the family for visitation prior to the service, from 9:30-11:30 am at the funeral home. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital or the American Cancer Society.