Charles Eugene Heiny

Charles Eugene Heiny, known affectionately to family and friends as "Gene," passed away Wednesday, October 28, 2026, at his home, leaving behind a legacy of dedicated public service, community leadership, and deep devotion to his family.

Born at the military base in Fort Knox, Kentucky on January 27, 1954, Gene was the son of Charles Benjamin Heiny and Dorothy M. (Fulkerson) Heiny. He graduated from Madison-Grant High School in 1972 and went on to attend Ball State University.

Gene was a deeply familiar face in Fairmount and the surrounding communities, serving in numerous civic roles throughout his life. He protected and served his community as a Fairmount Police Officer from 1989 to 1993 and later returned to public safety as a dispatcher from 2006 to 2009. Gene also represented his neighbors as a Fairmount Councilman from 1990 to 1994. In addition to his public service, he worked for Anaconda from 1978 to 1986, drove a truck for Harper Implement in Swayzee starting in 1993, and drove a school bus for Madison-Grant starting in 2006. He was also a graduate of the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy (92nd Session, Class #8892).

A dedicated and long-standing member of the fraternal community, Gene joined the Fairmount Masonic Lodge in 1975, eventually serving as Master twice. He was also a passionate Shriner from 1986 onward, frequently riding scooters and enjoying the camaraderie of his fellow members. Outside of his work and community circles, Gene loved traveling to the Bad Lands, assembling complex Thomas Kinkade puzzles, and above all, being a helpful, caring presence to anyone in need.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Dorothy.

Gene's legacy lives on through his loving family, including his daughter, Stacy Stepp (Ronald, Jr.) of Fairmount; his son, Brian (Anastasia) Heiny of Royal Center; and his brother, Gary Heiny (Robin) of Gas City. He was the proud grandfather of 10 grandchildren and great-grandfather of 4 great-grandchildren, all of whom fondly knew him as "Dad," "Papaw," "G-pa", and "Grandpa". He is also survived by his uncle Marvin Heiny and several cousins.

A one-day visitation and Masonic Service will be held at the Fairmount Chapel, Armes-Hunt Life Celebration Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 415 S. Main St., Fairmount, Indiana on Monday November 2, 2026. Visitation will be from 11 AM- 1 PM. A Masonic service will began at 1 PM immediately followed by a funeral officiated by Pastor Mick Simpkins. Burial will follow at Park Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Shriner's Hospital for Children, Shriners Children's, c/o Office of Philanthropy
2900 N. Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL 33607 an organization very close to Gene's heart.

Memories and condolences may be made at www.armeshuntfuneralhome.com