Wayne Heightchew

Hubert Wayne Heightchew, age 69, of Sparta, KY, and husband of Gail Arnold Heightchew passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Tuesday, September 5, 2023.

Wayne, as he was known, was born August 17, 1954, in LaGrange, Kentucky. He was the son of the late Walter Hubert Heightchew and Norma Jean McAlister Heightchew, who survived. Wayne was raised in and around Pleasureville, KY, and was a 1972 graduate of Henry County High School. In May 1974 Wayne joined the Kentucky State Police as a police radio dispatcher. In September 1978 he entered the Kentucky State Police Academy and graduated in December 1978 as Trooper. His first assignment was in Magoffin County where he spent 4 years. He then transferred to Owen County. In 1985 he transferred to General Investigations working in the Campbellsburg (LaGrange at that time) Post 5 area. He retired as a detective in 1997. After retirement, he continued to work. He was a Victims Advocate for the Commonwealth Attorney in Carrollton, KY, a Kentucky Park Ranger at General Butler State Park, and the Security Supervisor at North American Stainless in Ghent, KY.

Wayne was a Kentucky Wildcat fan and enjoyed genealogy research especially contributing to the Find a Grave website. He loved taking his RV on camping and travel adventures, with his wife of over 30 years.  When at home, he always had a good western on the television and an even better dog or two in his lap.

In addition to his wife, Gail, he is survived by his daughter, Michelle Lea Heightchew of Sparta, KY, his son Steven Wayne (Elizabeth) Heightchew of Salem, IN, bonus daughter Jennifer (Mark McChesney) Duncan of Owenton, his mother, grandchildren Sarah Heightchew and Jacob Heightchew, Hannah Heightchew, Grant (Candace) Smith, two brothers Michael (Lu) Heightchew of Franklinton and Barry (Ruthie) Heightchew of Pleasureville.

He was preceded in death by his father and grandparents Herb and Rosa Ann Heightchew and Minice (M.J.) and Laura McAlister.

New Funeral Homes are in charge of arrangements.  Friends and family may call at the Lighthouse Church on Friday, September 8, 2023, from 4 - 8 pm.  Funeral services will be held at 11 am on Saturday with Pastor Matthew Wayne Harris and Joey Woods officiating. Burial will be in the Wheatley Masonic Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, Wayne requested that donations be made to Owen County Friends of Animals or your local animal rescue.