William Everett Heyen

William Everett Heyen was born in Wichita Falls, Texas, on May 22, 2000, to Wynn and Don Heyen. From day one, he was cherished by his older sister, Abby. William attended Wichita Christian School from preschool to 12th grade and spent his life in worship at the Edgemere Church of Christ. William gave his life to Christ in 2013 on a mission trip to Belize, where he was baptized by his father in the Caribbean Sea. His faith was honest and strong, and he valued being discipled by the large circle of mentors in his life. Throughout his young life and education, William developed a love for art, music, good food, and travel. He had incredible natural talent, truly God-given abilities, revealed with a pencil or paint brush or with the ability to play any instrument he picked up. William was a passionate and deeply creative soul whose art and music reflected his distinctive view of the world. Musically, William took piano lessons for 12 years, was self-taught on guitar, played cello for 3 years in the Wichita Falls Youth Symphony, and competed in state competitions in piano and percussion. Pursuing his love of art, William attended Abilene Christian University from 2018-2022 majoring in Graphic Design. While there, he played cello in the ACU Orchestra, pledged Nu Kappa Psi fraternity, and studied abroad in Leipzig, Germany. He also worked with youth serving as an ACU Camp Counselor and teaching art to 4th graders in the AISD Young Audiences after school fine arts program. During this time, William used his creative talent collaborating as a designer and illustrator for works sold at Ramble and Co. in Wichita Falls. Following ACU, he moved to New York for two years, living in Manhattan and Brooklyn with two of his cousins Jared and Konrad Heyen. In NYC, William continued working as a freelance artist with commissions for original illustrations, portraits, wall art, logos, branding, and more. He also inspired new musicians, teaching them piano, guitar, drums, and vocals at Real Brave Music School in Manhattan. Although he downplayed every attention, compliment, and praise, his creative gift of art and music were uncontainable. Beyond his love to create, William's ability to connect with people gave him the greatest joy. Being present mattered. He felt "closest to God when talking to people." He had an exceptional way of meeting people right where they were, loving and counseling friends through difficult times, listening and encouraging without judgment. Even amid his own struggles, the Spirit of God worked in and through him to speak truth and love into the lives of others. He was generous to a fault, wanting nothing in return. William lived his life simply and authentically. In the summer of 2024, he moved to Estes Park, CO, working as an assistant chef at Rocky Ridge Music Center. At the base of Rocky Mountain National Park's Long's Peak, he confirmed his passion for culinary arts, cooking meals for faculty and students while listening to world-class pianists and musicians. He spent much of his time there camping by a stream "off the grid" to immerse himself in nature. After leaving the mountains, William moved home to Wichita Falls to be near family he deeply loved and to take time to plan his next adventure. While home, he worked at Collective Coffee and Half Pint Taproom where he was known for his warm smile and easy conversation. Just six months later, he was called to his home in heaven following a fatal motorcycle accident. William leaves behind a legacy of love, creativity, music, and friendship that have made the world a more uniquely beautiful place. We remember and celebrate his talent, passion, and the lasting imprint he made on all who knew him. May God be praised for the time William Everett Heyen was given to live, love, create beauty, and do good works. William is survived by his parents Wynn (Bradley) and Don Heyen of Wichita Falls, TX; sister Abigail (Heyen) and Austin Browning of Farmers Branch, TX; nieces Reese and Maren Browning of Farmers Branch, TX; grandparents Beverly (Hamilton) and Marshall Bradley of Weatherford, TX. William is preceded in death by his grandparents Dortha (Dietz) and Orlin Heyen of Stafford, KS. A memorial service will be held Saturday, June 28, 1:00 pm, at First United Methodist Church (909 10th St) in Wichita Falls, TX. Please wear color – as William brought color to the world! Following the service, an Art Showcase Reception will be held at the Wichita Falls Museum of Art (2 Eureka Circle), 2:30 PM - 5:00 PM, to highlight William's art, design, and writings and to share the joy his life and work brought to so many. The Art Showcase will be on display June 25- July 1 at the WFMA. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to: William Heyen Memorial Scholarship for Exceptional Achievement in the Arts Wichita Christian School, 1615 Midwestern Pkwy, Wichita Falls, TX 76302 Or online at wichitachristian.com William Everett Heyen Endowed Scholarship for Art and Design Abilene Christian University, ACU Box 29132, Abilene, TX 79699 Or online at acu.edu/give