Obituaries
Lewis Earl Heavner
( April 22, 1923 - January 13, 2024 )
Mr. Lewis Earl Heavner left his earthly home on January 13, 2024. He was born on April 22, 1923, to the late Guy Earl and Ella Mae Leonard Heavner. He grew up a mile from his present address and was proud to call the Howard's Creek Community his home. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Clarabel, sister, Betty Sue Allen, son-in-law, Allen Poovey, nephew, Terry Wayne Heavner and niece, Patricia Allen Rhyne.
Lewis graduated from Union High School in 1940. He continued his education at Lenoir Rhyne College for two years. In February 1943, he was drafted into the Army Air Force to serve his country in World War II. Upon returning home in 1946, Lewis continued his education at LRC and graduated in 1948 with an AB degree in education. He began his career as a math and history teacher before quickly moving into the principalship of Union High School. He left the education field and worked for the American Heart Association for two years. Lewis returned to education as the West Lincoln Guidance Counselor and later returned to ASU to earn multiple degrees and certifications. Some of those included one in driver's education, a Master's degree in Administration, as well as an Education Specialist. He completed his 37 years in education as Assistant Superintendent of Lincoln County Schools and retired in 1985 to care for his true valentine who was suffering from Multiple Sclerosis.
On July 9, 1949, Lewis married Clarabel W. Keller. Together they raised four daughters and a son before MS took her life February 1, 2008. Over the years, family, community, and church have been a special part of his life. He was a lifelong member of Bethphage Lutheran Church where he served in many capacities. Lewis was a Sunday School teacher, Council Emeritus, leader of numerous committees, and firm believer in his faith. He played an important role in providing the Howard's Creek community with their own volunteer fire department as a charter member. HCVFD has been in existence for 58 years with Lewis actively attending meetings and fires for fifty of those years. When not involved with church or the fire department, he enjoyed working on the farm. He always loved talking about the crops and farm animals. As recently as this past November, a huge smile appeared on his face riding to observe the equipment being used and the pasture full of livestock.
Lewis is survived by his children, Karen Spake, Clarice Poovey, Leslie Brigman and husband Joe, Kevin Heavner and wife Annette, and Melinda Ballard and husband Mike. He is also survived by thirteen grandchildren and nineteen great-grandchildren. Lewis leaves behind his brother and sister-in-law, Donald and Mallie Heavner and a number of nieces and nephews. Also left to cherish his memories are Clarabel's sister and husband, Eloise and Theron Farlow. Lewis touched the lives of so many people through his compassion, dedication of learning, leadership, courage, determination, and faith in God.
The family will receive friends from 5:30-8:00 on Tuesday, January 16 at Bethphage Lutheran Church Family Life Center. His funeral will be at 2:00 on Wednesday, January 17 at Bethphage Lutheran Church with Rev. Tom Beers and Lewis' grandson, Rev. Brandon Heavner officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to Bethphage Lutheran Church, Lift Fund, 3440 Highway 182, Lincolnton, NC 28092 or Lincoln County Retired School Personnel (LCRSP) Scholarship Fund, Attention: Frankie Beam, 1054 Highway 274, Cherryville, NC 28021 or Carolina Caring Catawba Valley Hospice, 3975 Robinson Rd, Building 3, Suite A, Newton, NC 28658.
The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to Bayada Home Health Care, Carolina Caring Catawba Valley Hospice, and Veterans Affairs for their loving care and support during his final three months of life. Lewis was loved by his family, numerous friends, community, church, and all that had the honor to know him. He will be greatly missed with fond memories of him cherished forever.
Lewis graduated from Union High School in 1940. He continued his education at Lenoir Rhyne College for two years. In February 1943, he was drafted into the Army Air Force to serve his country in World War II. Upon returning home in 1946, Lewis continued his education at LRC and graduated in 1948 with an AB degree in education. He began his career as a math and history teacher before quickly moving into the principalship of Union High School. He left the education field and worked for the American Heart Association for two years. Lewis returned to education as the West Lincoln Guidance Counselor and later returned to ASU to earn multiple degrees and certifications. Some of those included one in driver's education, a Master's degree in Administration, as well as an Education Specialist. He completed his 37 years in education as Assistant Superintendent of Lincoln County Schools and retired in 1985 to care for his true valentine who was suffering from Multiple Sclerosis.
On July 9, 1949, Lewis married Clarabel W. Keller. Together they raised four daughters and a son before MS took her life February 1, 2008. Over the years, family, community, and church have been a special part of his life. He was a lifelong member of Bethphage Lutheran Church where he served in many capacities. Lewis was a Sunday School teacher, Council Emeritus, leader of numerous committees, and firm believer in his faith. He played an important role in providing the Howard's Creek community with their own volunteer fire department as a charter member. HCVFD has been in existence for 58 years with Lewis actively attending meetings and fires for fifty of those years. When not involved with church or the fire department, he enjoyed working on the farm. He always loved talking about the crops and farm animals. As recently as this past November, a huge smile appeared on his face riding to observe the equipment being used and the pasture full of livestock.
Lewis is survived by his children, Karen Spake, Clarice Poovey, Leslie Brigman and husband Joe, Kevin Heavner and wife Annette, and Melinda Ballard and husband Mike. He is also survived by thirteen grandchildren and nineteen great-grandchildren. Lewis leaves behind his brother and sister-in-law, Donald and Mallie Heavner and a number of nieces and nephews. Also left to cherish his memories are Clarabel's sister and husband, Eloise and Theron Farlow. Lewis touched the lives of so many people through his compassion, dedication of learning, leadership, courage, determination, and faith in God.
The family will receive friends from 5:30-8:00 on Tuesday, January 16 at Bethphage Lutheran Church Family Life Center. His funeral will be at 2:00 on Wednesday, January 17 at Bethphage Lutheran Church with Rev. Tom Beers and Lewis' grandson, Rev. Brandon Heavner officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to Bethphage Lutheran Church, Lift Fund, 3440 Highway 182, Lincolnton, NC 28092 or Lincoln County Retired School Personnel (LCRSP) Scholarship Fund, Attention: Frankie Beam, 1054 Highway 274, Cherryville, NC 28021 or Carolina Caring Catawba Valley Hospice, 3975 Robinson Rd, Building 3, Suite A, Newton, NC 28658.
The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to Bayada Home Health Care, Carolina Caring Catawba Valley Hospice, and Veterans Affairs for their loving care and support during his final three months of life. Lewis was loved by his family, numerous friends, community, church, and all that had the honor to know him. He will be greatly missed with fond memories of him cherished forever.
Posted on 15 Jan 2024
Current Information
Contact
125 Dave Warlick Drive
Lincolnton, NC 28092
704/735-2521