DuWayne Robert Heying

Duwayne Robert Heying Mass of Christian Burial will be at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, February 28, 2026 at St. Matthew's Catholic Church with burial and military honors to follow at the Gillette, Mount Pisgah Cemetery. A visitation will be from 4-6 p.m. on Friday, February 27, 2026 with a vigil service at 6 p.m. at the Walker Funeral Home Chapel.

DuWayne Robert Heying, age 89, formerly of Gillette, WY, passed away February 19, 2026, in Bellingham, Washington.

DuWayne was born on January 10, 1937, on his family’s farm outside of Winner, SD to Clarence Heying Sr. and Margaret (Mahoney) Heying. He graduated from Winner High School in 1955 and soon after answered the call to serve his country. He enlisted in the United States Air Force on November 20, 1956, and served honorably until November 19, 1962. During his service, he completed the Meteorology Associate Program and during the Cold War was stationed at Ellsworth AFB, and later in Iceland where he proudly worked as a weatherman. He often spoke of this time in his life with great pride and appreciation.

He married Betty Lou New on September 23, 1961, and together they built a life rooted in hard work and grew their family, adding 4 children. After his military service, DuWayne returned to South Dakota, where he worked in road construction, helping build highways throughout the state. He also spent time driving truck, a job that suited his independent spirit and strong work ethic.

In 1978, DuWayne relocated to Gillette, where he began working for the Carter Mining Company, opening the Caballo mine for coal production. DuWayne went on to become a shovel operator and was part of the Surface Mine Emergency Team (SMET). He was able to use this training in many situations aside from the coal mine. In 1989, Betty passed away after a WYDOT accident leaving him and their four children to carry on her memory.

On October 24, 1998, DuWayne married Katherine VanDerSys, and along with her daughter, they shared many wonderful years together. In 1998, DuWayne also decided to retire from Caballo Mine, but retirement did not slow him down for long. His strong work ethic and love of staying busy led him to start his own business, Small Tractor Etc. He enjoyed helping others with mowing, tilling, landscaping and various small jobs. He jokingly referred to himself as a “punkin roller,” a title that reflected his humor and down-to-earth personality.

Around this same time, he went to work at EZ Car Wash, first for Billy Johnson and later for the Moore family after the business was sold and he enjoyed his time working with them both.

DuWayne and Katherine relocated to Bellingham, WA in October of 2024. There DuWayne spent his days visiting with family, walking/driving over to the clubhouse to get the mail, doing his workouts and taking care of their crazy Boston Terrier. DuWayne passed peacefully and suddenly at their residence.

DuWayne will be remembered as a man of loyalty, dedication and quiet strength. He valued family, hard work and took pride in providing for those he loved. He had the best smirk that would appear after saying a witty remark, that you would really have to be paying attention to or would miss, or if something humored him. He was happiest behind a “wheel” whether that be a motorcycle, piece of heavy machinery or an automobile.

He is survived by his spouse, Katherine, and his children: Kelly (Kathy), Craig (Alex), Kimberly (Doug), and Travis (Denise), as well as one stepchild, Sabra (Giovanni). He is also survived by many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews who will cherish his memory.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence Heying Sr. and Margaret (Mahoney) Heying; his first wife, Betty Lou (New) Heying; and his five brothers and one sister: Clarence “Buster” Heying Jr., Harold Heying, Dolores (Heying) Gaines, Sylvester Heying, Edwin Heying, and Frances “Shorty” Heying.

DuWayne’s legacy of hard work, love for his family and country will live on in all who knew and loved him. Condolences may be sent in care of Gillette Memorial Chapel 210 West 5th Street, Gillette, WY 82716.