Gary Stephen Hefner

Gary Stephen Hefner, age 69, passed away on December 3, 2025, in Phoenix, Arizona. He was surrounded by his daughter, son, daughter-in-law, grandchildren, siblings, stepmother, niece, and nephew as he peacefully left this mortal life and entered heaven.

Gary was born on January 2, 1956, in Phoenix, Arizona, to Frank Allen Hefner and Virginia Whitmer Hefner. He was raised in Mesa alongside his three brothers and two sisters. From an early age, Gary developed a strong work ethic while helping at his father's business, Standard Oil. At just eight years old, he washed windows, pumped gas, and checked oil. Those early days around cars-and the time spent with his father-sparked a lifelong passion for automobiles.

In 1970, at just 14, Gary earned the rank of Eagle Scout. He was an active and enthusiastic youth, participating in tennis, football, wrestling, track, gymnastics, and softball. Gary graduated from Westwood High School in 1974 and went on to attend Mesa Community College. He later moved to Flagstaff, Arizona, for a time before deciding the cold wasn't for him, then lived briefly in Louisiana.

In 1976, Gary's father opened Hefner Auto Repair Shop, and Gary joined him in the business. He worked alongside his father until January 1998, when Frank retired and Gary proudly took over ownership. He continued running the shop until his own retirement in November 2022.

During these years, Gary married, welcomed his children Kari and Frank "Buck", and purchased his first home in Mesa. He later became a Scoutmaster, a role he cherished, teaching young scouts the skills he loved-camping, archery, and rifle shooting. In 1994, Gary and his family moved to a home with land in Gilbert, Arizona where they spent many years raising and caring for their horses. Later, Gary moved to another home in Gilbert to be closer to his Father.

Gary had many hobbies and talents. He loved to cook. He enjoyed woodworking and crafted beautiful wood boxes, hope chests, and shelves. He was an expert-level marksman and loved rifle shooting, collecting firearms, and reloading ammunition. His passion for fast cars, sparked in childhood, stayed with him throughout his life.

Above all, Gary loved being a father and grandfather. Time spent with his children and grandchildren brought him his greatest joy.

Gary is survived by his children, Kari (Mike) Savage and Frank Buck (Becky) Hefner; his grandchildren Savannah, Brock, and Brody Hefner; his siblings David (Shannon) Hefner, Carolyn (Dennis) Cayton, Susan, George (Anne) Hefner, and Rudger (Catherine) Hefner; his nineteen nieces and nephews and 10 Great-nieces and nephews. Gary is preceded in death by his parents,

Frank Allen Hefner and Virginia Whitmer Hefner.

Funeral Services

Viewing: Friday, December 12, 2025 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Funeral: Saturday, December 13, 2025 10:00 AM

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

2700 E. Guadalupe Road, Gilbert, AZ 85234.

Interment will be at the Mesa City Cemetery Saturday at 2:00 PM

1212 North Center Street, Mesa, Arizona