Joseph F. Hefner

Joseph F. "Bud" Hefner, 91, died December 27, 2014 in Topeka, KS. He was born on June 1, 1923 in Topeka, KS, the son of John and Matilda (Schwerdt) Hefner. Joseph served in the US Army during WWII where he received the Purple Heart. He was retired from Goodyear Tire and Rubber where he was employed as an earthmover tire builder. After his retirement from Goodyear, he served for 30 years as a Sergeant of Arms for the Kansas Legislature. He was a life-time member of the VFW 1650, the American Legion Post 400 and Moose Lodge 555. He enjoyed working in the yard, fishing and dancing. He was a member of Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church. Joseph married Louise Gigous on January 31, 1942 in Lawrence, KS. She preceded him in death on July 8, 1983. He is survived by one daughter, Joyce Mauer (Charles) of Topeka, KS.. Other survivors include his longtime companion , Dolly Kleppin, one sister, Florence Minihan of Topeka, KS, two grandchildren, Pamela Mauer Watson (Jeff) of Topeka, KS and Michelle Mauer McCarter (Kyle) of Sahuarita, AZ, six great grand-children, Taylor McCarter, Garrett McCarter, Macie Watson, Ryan Watson, Brody McCarter and Paetyn McCarter, one great-great granddaughter, Addison Holmes. He was preceded in death by his brother, Walter Hefner and his sister, Betty Beasley. He will lie in state at Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home on Monday after 2:00 p.m. where the family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. A parish rosary will be prayed at 6:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. at Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church. Interment will follow in Mt. Calvary Cemetery where military honors will be conducted by Philip Billard Post #1650 of the VFW. Memorial contributions may be made to the Special Olympics of Topeka and Shawnee County and sent to Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Ave., Topeka, Kansas 66603. Online condolences and fond memories may be left at www.brennanmathenafh.com.