Kenneth (Kenny) R. Heyl

Kenneth (Kenny) R. Heyl age 78 of Ashland passed away peacefully at OhioHealth Mansfield on July 25, 2025.

Born in Jackson, Mississippi on August 2, 1946 the son of Leo K. and Ada B. (Hershey) Heyl who were stationed there during World War II. Ken or “Kenny” as most knew him was a resident of Ashland County all of his life, he had a passion for Ashland and it’s citizens. He was a member of the Ashland High School Class of 1965, attended Ashland College where he earned his associate degree and graduated from the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science where he also earned a degree. Upon his graduation from mortuary college he became the third generation to own Heyl Funeral Home which his family founded over 102 years ago and is still serving and will continue to serve the Ashland Community. Kenny served on many committees in the Ashland community through out the years. He also supported by donating time and financially to causes that he was involved in, he never sought recognition for this and always did so anonymously. Most will remember Ken for his love of Classic Cars and Model Trains and his quickness to share a joke. He also loved to spend time with his family and supported them fully in all of their endeavors. At one time he was associated with these various organizations and club’s; Ashland Noon Lions, Ashland Masonic Lodge #151 F&AM, Elks 1360, Ohio Funeral Directors for over 50 years, Ohio Embalmers Association, served on the Ohio Disaster Response Team, Ashland BalloonFest,Co-Founder Ashland Downtown Dream Cruise & Car Show, Traveling Trainmen of Ohio, National MOPAR owners association and Co-Founder of Hot Rods Take Back the Streets.

On February 14, 2010 Ken was married to Laura Humphrey who survives. Also surviving are two children; Tyler Heyl of Ashland and Jodi (Chris) Vanmeter also of Ashland. Also surviving are four step children; Lisa Busby of Ashland, Amy ( Cindy) Cadle of Massillon, Mandy (Nelson) Morales of Columbus and Ted (Tiffany) Humphrey of Canton. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Sara, Jordan, Cooper (Kimberly) and Leo and eleven step grandchildren, Alexa, Olivia, Mackenzie, Colin, Isaiah, Isaac, Carter, Sophia, Maximo, Lilah and Savannah also survive.

Kenny also leaves behind many close friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents and one granddaughter, Kearston Heyl. One step son in law also precedes him in death, Chris Busby.

A private family burial will be held in the Ashland Cemetery.

A celebration of Ken’s life will be held at Grace Church, 1144 West Main Street, Ashland, Ohio 44805 on August 8, 2025 at 3:00 pm. Friends may visit with the family from 1:00 pm till 3:00pm at the church.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Shop With a Cop, 1211 East Main Street, Ashland, Ohio 44805 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Kenneth (Kenny) R. Heyl, please visit our floral store.