Donald Edward Hefner

Donald Edward Hefner, 79, passed away on October 20, 2026, at Carolina Caring - Catawba Valley Hospice House in Catawba County. He was born on October 10, 1947, in Catawba County to the late Edward Hefner and Blanche Hefner.

Donald lived a life marked by faith, service, hard work, and deep devotion to the people around him. During his working career, he worked for Carolina Container for 36 years before retiring. He was known as a friend to everyone, someone who served his neighborhood and church community faithfully, helped anyone in need, and was always willing to lend a helping hand.

A man of strong faith, Donald was a member of Mt. Pisgah Lutheran Church for 60 years. Over those many years, he served on the church council several times, was in the choir, served as youth director, attended Sunday school, and attended Tuesday night Bible study. He provided the Baptismal Box ministry for 20 years, reflecting the depth of his commitment to sharing his faith and caring for others.

Donald also found joy in working with wood. Whether carving, turning wood, or building things, he was a true wood artist whose hands created with skill and care. The same patience and dedication he gave to his craft could be seen in the way he lived his life and loved those around him.

Above all, Donald loved his family and cherished spending time with them. He shared 60 years of marriage with his beloved wife and caregiver, Sandra Whitener Hefner, and together they built a family that remained a great source of joy and pride in his life. He is also survived by his daughter, Kimberly Cloninger and her husband, Jerome, of Burlington, North Carolina; his son, Jeremy Hefner and his wife, Tracey, of West End, North Carolina; his sister, Shelby Fulbright and her husband, Claude, of Conover, North Carolina. He also leaves behind grandchildren who brought much happiness to his life: Beth Yost and her husband, Brent, Aimee Leger and her husband, Brooks, Jeremiah Cloninger and his wife, Autumn, Ella Cloninger, Zeke Cloninger, Jacob Hefner and his fiancée, Rebecca Lippard, and Maddy Hefner and her significant other, Andy Ambriz-Cortes. His legacy continues as well in his great-grandchildren, Remi, Deliah, Wyatt Yost, Burke, Boone Leger, and Amelia Cloninger. Donald is also lovingly remembered by his friend Jayla Ikard, whom he mentored and loved.

A visitation will be held on Friday, October 30, 2026, at Mt. Pisgah Lutheran Church located at 9379 NC Hwy 127, Hickory, NC 28601, from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm. A memorial service will be held on Friday, October 30, 2026, at Mt. Pisgah Lutheran Church at 2:00 pm. Inurnment will follow in Mt. Pisgah Lutheran Church Columbarium. Pastor Justin Mauney will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mt. Pisgah Lutheran Church, 9379 NC Hwy 127, Hickory, NC 28601.

Donald will be remembered for his generous heart, his steadfast faith, his service to his church and community, his skill as a wood artist, and the abiding love he gave to his family. His life was a blessing to many, and his memory will be treasured by all who knew and loved him.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Alexander Funeral and Cremation Service.

Condolences may be sent to www.alexfuneralservice.com