John’s Journey

It’s with infinite sadness we inform you that John B. Heffernon passed away this morning at 4:13am from injuries suffered in an accident at Heartland Park on October 25, 2008.

John will always be in our thoughts and prayers as a loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend.

Words can’t express our Thanks for all of your prayers, thoughts, and support throughout the last couple of weeks.  Our family has been honored and overwhelmed by the incredible thoughtfulness and response to John’s journey.

We will post information regarding the celebration of life and funeral as it becomes available.

God doesn’t give you the people you want………he gives you the people you need; to help you……to hurt you…….to leave you……..to love you; to make you the person you were meant to be.

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72 comments so far

  1. Chuck Meroney on

    I am sorry to hear of your loss. I will continue to pray for your entire family. I will truely miss John.

  2. Sonya Pilley on

    I am so sorry.

  3. Rich & Trudy Boynton on

    Our prayers continue for John’s welcome into the kingdom of heaven and for God’s peace to with the family.

  4. Chris Schofield on

    Words cannot express the depth of my sorrow for the entire family.

  5. James & Kelli Morrill on

    Dianna and Family,
    Kelli and I are so very sorry for your loss. We will keep you and the girls in our thoughts, prayers, and hearts as you search for strength in the coming days. May you find comfort in knowing John is at peace and will always be with you.
    James and Kelli Morrill

  6. Allie on

    Please accept my heartfelt sympathy for you and the girls, and John’s family. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

  7. Rick and Susan Robards on

    And God said – “Take my hand. Let me lead you through the valley of despair and into the garden of love, care, joy and peace. Let me feel your pain, so you can receive healing. In your grief, let me take your sorrow so you will gather strength and resolve.”

    Let the Angels watch over you and your family in this most difficult time. We are so very sorry for your loss. We will continue to pray for John and your entire family.

  8. Kim Ross on

    John was a wonderful man and I feel blessed to have met him at the Pipefitters Training Center. All the Rellihans send our sincere sympathy’s to the family. The trade will miss John.

  9. Kurt Price on

    I am very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Heffernon family. John will be missed by everyone who knew him.

  10. Brittany Vohs on

    Mary Ann and family,
    I am so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
    love, Brittany Vohs

  11. Ellen on

    I am so sorry Dianna. You and your family are in my thoughts.

  12. Shannon, Linda, Myra, Tracy, and Gael on

    Because your loss is so fresh, it feels as though your heart will never heal but the love that surrounded John in life will surely surround you now. Love and prayers to all of you from all of us at Kindred.

  13. Bill & Carol Lehman on

    Know that the Lord has welcomed John into His home in Heaven.

    “Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal.” Irish Proverb

  14. Travis Gensler on

    Words can not express our sadness for loss.

    Much Love,

    Travis & Bree Gensler

  15. Samantha Dunn on

    I am so sorry. All the Heffernon’s are in my thoughts and prayers. He was an awesome friend, husband, and father. He will be greatly missed by all. All my love and prayers go out to you. Sam

  16. The Round Family on

    Our profound sympathy’s are with your entire family this morning. Even though we have had to followed John’s journey from a far, we have felt your family in our hearts daily. We wish we could be closer to support you all. We will pray for God’s graces to carry you through this time. The Rounds – Denver, CO

  17. Darrel on

    I am truly sorry for loss of John. I worked with him at the Hawthorn power plant for many years. I always enjoyed talking with him when he came to the plant. We both loved racing and he kept me posted on his progress. He was a very good man with a solid moral foundation.

  18. Bret and Joy Gabert on

    We certainly were believing for a miracle of healing. However, God’s plan was to perform the miracle of bringing John into His Holy presence!Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.

  19. Steph Schwieterman on

    Dianna and family,
    I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I know John was a fantastic husband and father. My thoughts and prayers are with your family in this difficult time. Sincerely, Steph

  20. Lisa Joyce on

    Please know the thoughts & prayers of Kansas Speedway employees are with you all right now. John will truly be missed!

  21. Tamara, Austin, and Savannah Martin on

    Dianna and family..We are so very, very sad for you all. I have prayed for you all daily…and will continue to do so. I do know from experience that friends are unending, children resilient, and Love always lives on. The relationships that John made will continue to bless you guys..what a great man!We are here for you and the girls at any time of day…Big love and hugs around you. The Martins

  22. Cindy Coomer on

    Heffy and girls,

    We are so sorry. You are in our thoughts and prayers and we are here beside for anything you need or want anytime and always. We love you very much!

    Cindy Coomer and family

  23. Jennifer (Fortney) Tartaglia on

    Dianna,
    I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family during this time.

    God Bless,
    Jennifer

  24. Irene & Rick Schilling on

    Dianna, Sarah-Margaret, Makenzie and the extended Heffernon families–We are greatly saddened to hear of John’s passing and feel so blessed to have had the privilege of knowing such a fine young man when good male role models were so important to all the lives you and John influenced even before the girls came along. You will all continue to be uppermost in our thoughts and prayers in the days ahead. Please don’t hesitate to call upon us. We will miss John. Love, Irene, Rick, Aimee & Emilie

  25. Terry & Candi Jobe on

    Dianna and family,
    I am so sorry to hear of your loss. You and John have meant a lot to me and my family. We will continue to pray You and the Girls in this time of such a great loss. John was a great co-worker and friend that I could always count upon.

  26. Lillian on

    Dianna and family,

    John will be greatly missed…I will cherish all of the wonderful memories that I have of him. You are all on my mind and in my heart. I will continue to pray for you. Much Love, Lillian

  27. Annette and Doug Cook on

    Our hearts are breaking. We pray that God will hold you in his hand through this very sad time. We love all of you, Annette, Doug, Austin and Spencer

  28. Denise Risley on

    We are so sorry to hear about your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family in this difficult time.
    The Risley family

  29. Bill Hamm on

    I am so sorry for your loss & will keep you in my prayers, I know everyone at Hawthorn station ,shares in your grief,a very kind and generous man.

  30. Nick and Angela Nichols on

    Sorry to hear of the loss of John. Our hearts and prayers go out to all the Heffernons. God Bless

    Nick, Angela and lil’ Nicky
    Colo. Spgs.,CO

  31. Jeff Hensley on

    To The Heffernon Family: my thoughts and prayers go out to you the this time of loss. May our Savior wrap his arms around you and give you comfort. Jeff and Barbara Hensley

  32. Larry Hare on

    May God bless your entire family

  33. Tiffani Brennan-Scheel on

    Aunt Mary, Bernie, and Lenny,

    I am so sad for all of you; please know you are in my prayers as your new journey begins.

    Love,
    Tiffani

  34. Bob & Sue Maib on

    We are heartbroken. Our thoughts are with you.

  35. Darcy Sparks on

    Dianna I am so sorry for your loss & will keep you and your family in my prayers.

  36. Don & Juanita Kraft on

    Thoughts & Prayers
    R.I.P.

  37. blueprint4ndbeauty on

    Heffernon Family –

    Know that we loved John deeply, just as much as we love the rest of you. He was a good example of what it means to be a Father and Husband. You’re wonderful people. We’re here for you whenever, for whatever you need.

    Love,
    Craig, Heather & Raven

  38. Denise Davis on

    Bernie and family,
    Know that my thoughts and prayers continue to be with you and your family. May God continue to give you strength in this difficult time.

  39. Michael & Christina Irvin on

    Heffernon Family,
    Dianna,
    Having lost a spouse in an auto accident a few years back I know exactly what you are going through. Its a process that has to run its course. You are very blessed as I was to have a large family and many friends to comfort and be around you. It was what I treasured most.

    I know that you can’t fathom it now but eventually this will sad time will pass and life will go on. Mine did and I’m testimony to the fact that your’s and your family will go on as well. It may take a while but it will.

    If Chris and I can ever be of service to you or any of your family we are there for you. If its just to talk and have a listening ear we are there. If its just to sit quietly we are there. Just let us know when and where and we’ll come running. That goes for your whole family as well.

    Just know this one thing, John is now at peace and is healing. He knows a joy we can only imagine and he is there with you and the kids. Believe me I know. Just listen and you’ll hear him with your heart. You’ll see him in your children and their smiles. He will be there always.

    Love to you all,
    Michael & Christina Irvin

  40. Anthony, Debbie, Keriann, and Melanie Battaglia on

    Dianna, Sarah-Margaret, McKenzie and the rest of the Heffernon family, It was with deep sadness that we read your blog today. We have very fond memories of Johnny as a great family man, friend and softball coach. What a loss this Stilwell community will feel. And the OGSA family as well. We were praying for a miracle and we have learned that it is always in God’s hands. Our blessing is that we were fortunate to have had our lives touched by Johnny and memories of a happy-go-lucky man to keep with us. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this very sad time in your lives. We are there for you!

  41. Kim Gardner -McConnell on

    Hef and Family,
    I was so sorry to hear of John’s accident and now his death. My thoughts and prayers go out to you all, I can only imagine just how hard this is on all of you.

    Kimmer

  42. Loretta Knabe on

    We pray the love of God enfolds you and your family. May your heart and soul find peace and comfort.
    Love Loretta

  43. The Orwigs on

    As we all grieve with you, try to find comfort within your sorrow — comfort of knowing John is Home, comfort of having the love of your “family” and comfort of having His gift of personal strength. Lean on us and we will be your supports.

    We will miss John; we are so fortunate to have years of memories… We will all continue to pray for you and your family.

    Love, SCLPJD

  44. Tim & Jessica Jobe on

    It goes without saying how great of a guy John was. After working for John, not only was he a great teacher, but a great friend. I feel like I know the entire Heffernon family just by the conversations and stories we would share with each other. Jessica and I prayed, like many others, every day for John to be healed. And although God did not answer our prayer in the way that we all wanted, he did answer it. We will continue to pray for your family.

  45. wendy, jeff, and hannah skidmore on

    Our deepest sympathy to Dianna and all the Heffernon family. May God’s Peace be with you all.

  46. Richard on

    My condolence to the Heffernon family. I have watched John raced over the past couple of years and enjoyed it very much. Our prayers are with you forever.

  47. Jeff Williamson on

    John and I worked together at Sprint. We became friends through our love of family and racing and Dale Earnhardt. John was a great guy. He was able to give me a tour at Kansas Speedway infield when several Cup drivers were there testing. I’ll never forget that day. My prayers are with your family.

  48. Cheryl Reichert on

    Dianna and family,

    We are sorry to hear about John’s passing. We are thinking of you and keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.

    The RHS Business Girls

  49. Travina Jarvis (Brown) on

    You are in my thoughts and prayers. I am very sorry for your loss. May God’s comfort surround your family.

  50. Sheryl Shreve on

    Dianna, I am so sorry. I wish I could offer something to lessen the pain for all of you who. i know John will forever be a blessing in your lives and the lives of all who knew him. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. I wish I could wrap my arms around you as I know God wraps his arms around John. With love, Sheryl

  51. Uncle Tom & Nancy Brennan on

    So sorry to hear of John’s passing. I know without a doubt that the Lord Jesus Christ will bring all of you His peace and love. Nephew you will be missed! God bless to all of you.

  52. Dan & Jennifer Hansen on

    Our hearts physically ache for you. We pray that God’s peace surrounds you completely, the peace that surpasses all understanding … today and all the days ahead.

  53. Tim and Kelley Haas on

    Dianna: Words cannot express how sorry we are for your loss. We hope that the prayers and love of family and friends can help to provide you some comfort at this very difficult time.

  54. Ricardo Sierra on

    John was truly a grate man, and will be missed and when I cook I am sure that he will peek over my shoulder for we would often exchage recipes , my thoughts and prayers are with you .

  55. Rod Wagner on

    Our deepest sympathy and prayers go out to the Heffernon family. My personal friendship I have had with John over the past 8 yrs is cherished. We will truly miss John’s weekly Wednesday visit to Sprint Center and all the lessons in life and skills he shared with me. God Bless!!

  56. Jenice (Coffelt) McCoy on

    Dianna, Girls and the Entire Heffernon Family,

    Words cannot express the amount of sadness that we feel for your loss of Johnny (as the turkey girls always knew him!) I have many fond memories of when we grew up. As everyone has expressed we also desired for a miracle of life to continue, but God had other plans to bring Johnny home to look over his family and restore his soul. May Gods Love surround you all ease your sorrows and bring consolation to your heartache. Know that Johnny will look over all of you and intercede for you. If there is anything that the Coffelt, McCoy, & Staten families can do to help or be a shoulder to lean on please let us know, we are all here for your family.
    Love,
    Jenice, Pat, & Bridget McCoy
    Justine, Tony, Garrett, & Brook Staten
    Janette & Richard Coffelt

  57. Jamie Baumgartner on

    We wanted to send our deepest sympathies to the entire family. In this time of sorrow you are all in our thoughts and prayers.

    The Baumgartner family
    Troy,Jamie,Shania,Sydney,Colton
    427 Baumgartner Racing

  58. Lori Flaherty on

    Dianna,
    Thinking of you. Just know I am here anytime any place for you and the girls.

    Lori Flaherty

  59. Carol Lee on

    Bernie & the whole Heffernon family,
    I am so sorry for your loss. :o ( My whole family (including me mom) was praying for your brother. We asked that God would heal him.. The healing God chose was to take him to Heaven and make him whole again. My heart goes out to his girls at this time.. I understand their pain first hand.. I was 15 and my little sister was 7 when our dad died… I can’t even imagine the pain that everyone else is dealing with.. But, I know how those sweet girls feel… They need a lot of hugs and they need to be allowed to cry one minute and laugh the next…. Encourage them to talk about their Daddy often.. Share funny and loving stories with them about when he was younger.
    Bless Dianna’s heart, I only know her through reading in this blog but, give her a hug from me.. She will need a lot of them from everyone… Let her know that it’s alright to cry.. to feel numb… to feel mad… and then to feel at peace.
    Now boss, you need to take care of yourself too… Remember, it’s alright to cry cuz, crying gets the sad out of you.
    We continue to hold you and all of your family in our prayers!!
    God Bless all of you!!!!
    Hugs and prayers,
    Carol Lee, Steve and all of the kids (Oh yes, and my mom too)

  60. Michael Peski on

    Deepest sympathy for your loss.

    A candle burns tonight in my racing shop in honor of a fallen racer.

    Prayers to his family during this time of sadness.

    Godspeed, John….

  61. Ann (Martell) Colby on

    I was so sorry to hear about Johnny and wished I was there to give each of you a hug. I have such fond memories of family visits back to KC and Johnny’s smile and sense of humor. I know he’s in heaven making Janet, Grandma & Grandpa Heffernon smile now. Love you all and will see you soon.

  62. Kelly on

    Dianna,

    I don’t know what to say. I’m so sorry about John. I know that your other half is gone and I’m sure it’s overwhelming right now for you and the girls. I just want you to know that I’m here for you; whatever you need. I also want you to know how much your students care about you. Many many tears were shed in the classroom this week (especially yesterday) because they care about you, John and your entire family so much. Don’t worry about them though – they are continuing to work hard, believing that success is the only option. If there is anything else I can do, please let me know. My friend, you are in my prayers and thoughts constantly. Much much love!

  63. David & Suzanne Head on

    We are so sad for your loss, and will keep you all in our thoughts and prayers. After reading all of these entries, it’s easy to see how much he is loved and what a wonderful man he is.

  64. Rick and Lisa Brown on

    Dianna, Rick and I are at a loss for words to hear about John. We remember John back at Dillon’s #59 as the perfect gentleman who always had the biggest smile on his face. You and the girls are in our prayers.

  65. Allison Miller on

    Dianna, I am so very sorry for your loss and for your girls. I pray for continued strength and joy in your life with John.

    Allison

  66. Brandon and Judy Masur on

    We were devistated to hear of John’s passing. I wish there was something we could do to help you in such times. Our thoughts continue to be with you and your family.

  67. Carolyn Combs on

    Dearest Mary Ann, John and all of your family,
    I can’t tell you how sorry I was to hear of your devastating loss. Over the long ears of Larry’s and John’s friendship and association, you are a part of our history and therefore part of our family as well. I watched the boys grow up and witnessed the joy and pride you have in your boys, as we do. I can think of nothing more devastating than losing a child, but just as devastating is losing a child’s father and a spouse. My prayers have been with you all along this trying time
    , and are with you now as you begin to mend and heal. Life will never be the same, but it will go on. Nothing will ever fill the void of John’s presence, but his legacy lives on in his family, all of you. We will all be united again in that glad day in the presence of the Saviour. There will be no sorrow, no fear, no death nor tears, only joy and gladness as we worship Almighty God and stand in His presence. John has just gone ahead of you and will be waiting as he is rejoicing with the saints in glory. My prayers and love, and deepest sympathy, your friend, Carolyn

  68. Tom Schaeffer on

    The entire family is in our thoughts and prayers. God’s speed to John.

  69. Kent Pine on

    I worked with John years ago at Dillons. I always respected him. He was a great person, the world is worse off without him. May Jesus be with you.

  70. Stephanie Babcock on

    I just learned of John’s passing yesterday. I am so sorry for your loss. I worked with John at USE for 5 years before I moved to Nashville 2 years ago. He was very encouraging when I was making the decision to move. John was always ready with a smile & a joke. He will be very missed. My thoughts & prayers are with you & your family in this sad time.

  71. David DePriest on

    To the Heffernon family,
    Just heard about your loss of John. It has been many years since I have talked to John, but always have had such fond memories of him. He was such a stand up guy. Our thought and prayers are with your family.
    David DePriest and family

  72. Jenell Clark and Roderick Clark on

    Mrs. Heffernon (Dianna):

    I just heard of your terrible and tragic loss. You and your children will continue to be in my prayers. Although I did not know your husband I can only imagine the love and commitment you have for him.

    Your committment and support to my son Roderick Clark as his teacher at Ray-South High will always leave a lasting impression on both Roddi and I. We are deeply saddened for you, a person who is so upbeat, positive, optimistic and a truly wonderful person, must suffer through the loss of your husband. Our thoughts are with you always.


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