Charles Heavin Obituary
Publish in a newspaper
Charles was born July 6, 1928, in Baxter Springs, Kansas, the son of Charles and Mary Gaddy Heavin. He graduated from Baxter Springs High School. Charles married Shirley Graham in 1953. He retired from the Kansas State Department of Corrections. Charles was a member of Westside Christian Church.
Charles was an entertainer at heart. He would share stories with people about his time playing baseball with Mickey Mantle. Charles played instruments and sang, travelling to retirement homes to entertain residents with his music and playing at the Elmont Opry. When he was no longer able to travel, Charles frequently played and sang for residents of Topeka area retirement homes.
Charles is survived by his wife, Shirley; children, Debra Albright (Ralph), Randy Heavin (Carol) and Kathy Figgs; grandchildren, Tammy Tompkins, Melissa Spitler (Jason), Angela Figgs, Valery Figgs, Troy Deppe (Kelly) and Dustin Deppe; great-grandchildren, Stone Tompkins, Mya Tompkins, Cole Spitler, Hudson Spitler, Luke Spitler, Levi Spitler, Blane Deppe and Joel Deppe. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Sandra Heavin; parents; five brothers; and one sister.
Visitation will be 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, February 6, 2025, at Westside Christian Church, 432 SW Lindenwood Ave, Topeka KS 66606. Funeral service will be 12:30 p.m. Friday, February 7, 2025, at the Church. Burial will follow in Mount Hope Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Westside Christian Church and sent in care of Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Road, Topeka KS 66614.
Condolences may be sent online to www.kevinbrennanfamily.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
6 Entries
Jani Heavin
February 7, 2025
My Great Uncle Frog was a wonderful person and a great entertainer. I loved his stories and his music too. He and Aunt Shirley were always so nice to me. I have wonderful childhood memories playing at their house with my cousins. Uncle Frog will always hold a special place in my heart. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Jim Rowland
February 6, 2025
Jim Rowland
Frog gave me my first guitar lesson when
I was seven years old, 71 years ago. To this day, I can't think of anyone I would rather sit down and pick with, and what a gentleman!
Patrick Roberts
February 4, 2025
As a young Correctional Officer at a critical juncture in my career I was mentored by Charlie. I learned more about Corrections from him than anyone in my 30 years with the Department. Not a shift would go by without me hearing " Keep doing what you´re doing" or "Hang loose; and play it cool".
If I can be 1/2 the man he was I will be satisfied.
Pat Roberts
Ernie Heavin
February 4, 2025
When I was 19 years old I moved in with Frog and Shirley. Shirley had no idea why I was there so I guess communication wasn´t Uncle Frog´s strongest suit. However, he did love to play his guitar and sing and so every morning he would sing this to me:
"When I woke up this morning, baby,
tell me why did you walk away?
When I woke up this morning, baby,
tell me why did you walk away?
I thought you loved me, baby,
I thought our love was here to stay."
I´m sure he´ll greet me with those same words when I see him again.
How you can show support
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Glenna Kovac
February 4, 2025
Charles, or "uncle frog", known by his many nieces and nephews, was just the kindest man. I was so fortunate to get to meet him in 2019. I got to meet many family members that day. But, Charles, those eyes, just radiated love. He is going to be missed by everyone who knew him.
carole silcott
February 3, 2025
My uncle Frog was such a kind, humorous and loving man. I spent a lot of time with him and aunt Shirley. They were like my second parents. Will miss him always!❤
Showing 1 - 6 of 6 results
2801 SW Urish Road, Topeka, KS 66614
Make a Donation
in Charles Heavin's name
People and places connected with Charles
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
How to support Charles's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Charles Heavin's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
