Mr. Marvin “Ben” Heavner, age 87, of Shoal Road, went to his heavenly home on Thursday, February 20, 2014.

Ben was born April 2, 1926 in Lincoln County to the late Roy Lima and Blanche Lee Carpenter Heavner.   Ben graduated from Lincolnton High School in May of 1943. He enlisted into the United States Navy on March 30, 1944 where he served aboard the USS Williamsburg and the USS Van Valkenburg until he was honorably discharged on May 19, 1946.  Upon discharge, he worked for Hudson Hosiery and as a self-employed painter.  He retired from Breeden’s Poultry after 30 years of service as a USDA inspector. 

In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his sisters, Avis Heavner Cornwell and Marjorie Heavner Stell.

He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Doyleta Wright  Heavner of the home; daughters,  Benetta O’Connor (Doug); Jan Thrift (Roger), Kathy Huss (Robert), Sandy Cashion (Perry); 4 grandchildren: Donita Frankosky (Jason), Michael Huss (Andi) , Charity Hedgepeth (Danny) and Roger Ben Thrift (Dana); 9 great- grandchildren: Jordan Davis, Brett Davis, Ty Frankosky, Lacey Frankosky, Bailey Huss, Elijah Hedgepeth, Garett Hedgepeth, Seth Hedgepeth and  Hailey Thrift. 

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to all the caregivers who treated Ben with love and respect, but especially Charity Hedgepeth, Sue Turpin, Tammy Walker and Polly O’Dell.   Thank you to Hospice & Palliative Care of Lincoln County for their comfort and support both for Ben and for the family.

Visitation will be on Saturday, February 22, 2014 from 4:00 pm until 6:00PM at ­Stamey-Cherryville Funeral Home, 405 N Dixie St, Cherryville, NC 28021, and at other times the family will be at the home.

Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 pm on Sunday, February 23, 2014, at Bethphage Lutheran Church in Lincolnton, NC with Pastor Fred Mitschke officiating.

Burial will follow in the church cemetery with Military Honors provided by Cherryville American Legion Post 100.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Bethphage Lutheran Church, 3440 Highway 182, Lincolnton, NC  28092 or Hospice & Palliative Care of Lincoln County, 107 North Cedar Street, Lincolnton, NC  28092.

Stamey-Cherryville Funeral Home is serving the family of Mr. Heavner.