In Loving Memory: William Heyen — Wichita Christian School Mourns the Loss of Beloved 2018 Graduate, Establishes Memorial Scholarship in His Honor
Wichita Falls, TX – With profound sorrow and heartfelt reflection, Wichita Christian School has announced the passing of William Heyen, a cherished member of the Class of 2018. William’s untimely death has left his family, friends, teachers, and the broader school community in mourning. In response to this loss, the school has also shared the establishment of the William Heyen Memorial Scholarship, a lasting tribute to a young man remembered for his character, compassion, and unwavering faith.
William, who passed away earlier this week, was just beginning to make his mark in the world beyond the halls of Wichita Christian. A thoughtful soul with a kind heart, William was known for his quiet strength, academic dedication, and willingness to help others. As a student, he was active in campus life, respected by his peers, and deeply admired by teachers and coaches for his integrity, humility, and positive spirit.
A Life Marked by Faith, Service, and Friendship
William was a person who lived out his values every day. Those who knew him described him as someone who would always go out of his way to support a friend in need or brighten someone’s day with a kind word. Whether it was serving during chapel, participating in mission trips, or lending a hand in class, William carried himself with a quiet grace that made a lasting impression on all who knew him.
Dr. Kelly Whitten, Head of School at Wichita Christian, shared the following in a public statement:
“William was the kind of student who left a mark not with fanfare, but with faith and love. His presence in our school was a gift, and we are devastated by his loss. The William Heyen Memorial Scholarship will ensure that his legacy of kindness and excellence lives on for generations of students to come.”
The William Heyen Memorial Scholarship
In honor of William’s memory, Wichita Christian School is establishing a scholarship fund to support students who exemplify the same values William lived by — faith, kindness, academic diligence, and servant leadership. The scholarship will be awarded annually to one or more deserving students, providing both financial support and a reminder that one life, lived with purpose, can inspire many.
Contributions to the scholarship fund can be made through the school’s website or directly through the Wichita Christian School Advancement Office. The community has already begun responding with overwhelming generosity, with several former classmates pledging to contribute in remembrance of their friend.
Remembering William
A memorial service will be held at Faith Baptist Church in Wichita Falls on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. The service will be open to the public and will be a time to share memories, offer prayers, and celebrate the life of a beloved young man taken far too soon.
His parents, siblings, and extended family have expressed deep gratitude for the outpouring of love and support they’ve received in recent days.
“William was a gift from God,” his mother shared. “He lived his life with quiet strength and deep faith. We miss him beyond words but are comforted in knowing he touched so many lives.”
A Legacy That Will Endure
Though William’s time on Earth was far too short, the impact of his life continues to ripple outward. Through the scholarship bearing his name, through the memories held in the hearts of classmates and teachers, and through the values he lived by daily, William Heyen’s legacy is one of hope, love, and enduring faith.
As Wichita Christian School grieves, they also celebrate — not just the loss, but the life. Not just the sorrow, but the light William brought to all who knew him.