Theodore “Ted” Michael Heffner

A Celebration of Life for Theodore “Ted” Michael Heffner, 36, will be held from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 16, 2025, at Warren-McElwain Mortuary in Lawrence, KS. Ted passed away Thursday, January 9, 2025, at his home in Kansas City, MO. Ted was born August 4, 1988, in Topeka, KS, the son of Michael and Donna (Schmidt) Heffner.

Ted grew up in Lawrence, Kansas. He attended Sunset Hills Elementary School, West Middle School and graduated from Free State High School in 2007.

Ted loved art, music and his cat Sophie, but he loved his son most of all. Ted had a kind, strong and thoughtful spirit. He is loved and forever in our hearts.

Survivors include his parents, son, Theo Heffner, brother, Matt (Olivia) Heffner, two nephews, Declan Heffner and Langston Heffner, and one niece, Finley Heffner.

Ted was preceded in death by his grandparents, Robert and Kathryn Heffner, and Leo and Viola Schmidt.

The family suggest memorials in Ted’s name to his son’s education fund, make checks payable to Theo Heffner and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary 120 W. 13th St. Lawrence, KS 66044

6 Condolences

  1. Marilyn McBride on January 21, 2025 at 2:40 pm

    Mike and Donna, so sorry to hear of Ted’s passing. Quite a shock – he was so young.
    You are in our thoughts and prayers.
    Mike and Marilyn



  2. Suzanne Johnson on January 22, 2025 at 11:20 am

    Mike and Donna,
    I was Teddy’s day care provider from the time he was just a month old. I’m so sorry for your loss.
    Teddy was such a sweet and gentle soul. I have the Christmas ornament that you gave me for his first Christmas. I prayed for him as I got it out every year.
    I know I lost track of you over the years but you have been in my prayers, now more than ever. Bless you all.
    Suzanne



  3. Kathy Bailey on January 22, 2025 at 11:26 am

    Mike and Donna,
    We are so sorry for your loss. As I am sure you know, Graham and I both liked Ted so much. Watching him grow up was a pleasure. We were proud of the young man he became and glad to be involved in small ways with that life. We have fond memories of Ted, from Graham rescuing him from his crib when we thought there might be an intruder in the house when Mike was gone, to Graham officiating his wedding. That was such an honor. I know both you and Matt’s family will help shepard Theo as he grows up. I am sorry we will not be back from Florida for the visitation on Feb. 16th. Our hearts and prayers are with you in the sad time.
    Graham and Kathy



  4. Graham Bailey on January 22, 2025 at 11:39 am

    Mike and Donna, we were shocked and completely saddened by the news of Ted’s passing. So young. Ted was an outstanding young man and a good friend to everyone in our family. Linda, Seth and Evan are equally saddened. You and Matt’s family and Ted’s son are all in our thoughts and prayers. Certainly you know i any of us can do anything for you, simply let us know. I had the pleasure of knowing “Teddy” through the entirety of his life, growing up and moving from a child to a man. I was as proud of him as you two were. I know this is equally as tough on Matt. Having lost two siblings, it’s something that seemingly is always in your mind. I had the incredible privilege of officiating his wedding and have thought a lot about the night they came over and asked me to do it. That let me know I was his friend, as well as him mine. We laughed about the crazy things we could do during the ceremony that would make your jaws drop. Great fun. I’ll remember Ted for those times. Remember the good of Ted, which there was an abundant amount, and what he bought to each and all of our lives. I even remember having to go into your house to save him when he was an infant and Mike was out of town. Donna came over and was sure someone was walking around upstairs and it sure wasn’t the infant Ted. I would have scared the daylights out of them in my shorts and holding a fireplace poker. Many memories will stay with all of us. God bless you during your time of grief.



  5. De Vonna and John Oehlert on January 22, 2025 at 2:57 pm

    Donna, I was shocked to read about your son Ted. John and I know what you are going through. It will be hard for a while and the hurt never goes away. Just know he is always with you and your husband.

    Our prayers are with you and your family. I am hear if you want to talk.



  6. The Dunhams on January 22, 2025 at 3:17 pm

    Donna and Mike,
    We are so very sorry for your loss. Teddy was the last baby to arrive on our cul-de-sac. We all celebrated his milestones from baby shower to his lakeside wedding. We joked he could be our neighborhood chef as we aged and as he found and developed his skills. Ted was lucky to have the two of you as his loving parents. You are in our thoughts. .



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