Mason Heikes

Perhaps it was the way he giggled with delight, or his very determined nature, but one thing is certain, Mason Heikes filled the hearts of those around him with unending love in the short time he was with them. Known for his bright smile and sparkling eyes, one could sense young Mason’s warm soul. Mason was a typical little boy, yet in the lives of those who came to know and love him ever so briefly, he was far from ordinary. Taken much too soon from love’s embrace for reasons we struggle to comprehend, the very heart and spirit of little Mason lives on forevermore.

Nestled in the small, rural community on the outskirts of Vicksburg, Michigan, William and Kristen (Hamberg) Heikes were raising their young son, Carter and enjoying a simple life filled with love, family and the hope of bright tomorrows. Yet there was something missing in their lives, and the desire for another child to lovingly raise and nurture filled their hearts with anticipation. Before long, the prospect came to be a long awaited reality when Kristen and William announced they were expecting. Filled with joy, the following months found them preparing Carter for a new little baby brother and their home for the soon-to-be new arrival to their family.

Mason William Heikes made his appearance with nothing other than a big smile on his face! Born on August 26, 2015, by cesarean section in nearby Kalamazoo, Michigan, Mason was a big boy, weighing in at nine pounds, one ounce. From his earliest days, Mason was a happy although determined little boy. An easy child to love, he instantly won the affections of everyone he made contact with. His big brother, Carter was always helpful in caring for Mason, and Mason came to look up to his big brother with awe at the many cool things he could do. Mason especially liked anything his brother had, and for the most part, Carter happily shared his things and taught his little brother much.

All boy, one of Mason’s favorite activities was playing with his trucks and trailers, and he liked music in general. Anything red or green caught his attention, especially the lights on the Christmas tree. He liked eating bananas, Cheetos, the real puffy type of cheese puffs, and of course, whatever his brother had or was having. He and Carter could watch kid’s YouTube for hours if ever allowed, and when it came to movies, Boss Baby, or Baby Boss as he called it, was his favorite which he watched thousands of times, if not more! Mason also liked getting together with his cousins for fun times and became quite a “selfie king” with them. Always moving and on the go, Mason was a very busy little guy who kept his parents on their toes. In fact, one of his nicknames was “Mayhem”.

Even though Mason was a little go-getter, his young heart was pure and full of wonder. He loved any animal he could touch, and he did ever so gently. Even being all boy, Mason still liked the comfort of his parent’s arms. He loved to sit and cuddle, and with his chocolate milk in hand, he’d even check the bottom of the cup to make sure it was made with enough chocolate, or he’d send it back for more!

For the few years he was shared on this earth, Mason’s warm smile and warm soul shone bright through his beautiful eyes and tender heart. With little time to laugh, learn and play, Mason filled his days with the love of family by his side. Words fail to express how much he will be dearly missed, yet the memories he leaves behind will not only bring tears, but smiles and laughter of a special little boy who brought so much love to the lives around him. May he be remembered with joy as the stars in the skies twinkle with love at those he leaves behind.

Mason William Heikes, of Vicksburg passed away on Wednesday, May 9th, 2018 at the age of 2. He is survived by his parents: William and Kristen Heikes, of Vicksburg; one brother, Carter; maternal grandparents, Dawn (David) Hamberg, of Vicksburg; paternal grandparents: Burt (Penney Melchoir) Heikes, of Vicksburg; Candi (Clarence) Ewert, of Kalamazoo; Noreen “Noni” Heikes, of Vicksburg; great-grandma, Bonnie Childers, of AL; great-grandpa: Kenneth Heikes, of Vicksburg; Rick and Esther Randall, of Parchment; Nancy Lowe, of Portage; Pat Ewert, of Kalamazoo. He is also survived aunts and uncles: Kayla (Mickey McManus) Hough, of Vicksburg; Chris Hamberg, of Vicksburg; Cassandra “Cassi” (Wyatt) Taylor, of Lawton; Elizabeth Heikes, of Vicksburg; Chris (Shannon) Ewert, of Hastings; his cousins: Lexi Hough, and one on the way; great-aunts and uncles: Lisa (Leroy) Heikes, of Plainwell; Michelle (Jason) Hall, of Paw Paw; Staci Randall, of AZ; Chuck (Amy) Childers, of AL; Richard (Tiffany) Childers, of AL; Sandy Plowman, of AL; Lynette (Jay) Dolen, of KY.

Mason was preceded in death by his great-grandma, Sue Heikes; great-grandpa, Peter Lowe; great-grandma, Judy Hiatt; great-grandpa, Charles Childers; great great-grandma, Reba Baker; and great-uncle, Steve Randall.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, May 13, 2018 from 2-5 pm at the McCowen & Secord Family Funeral Home, Rupert-Durham Chapel, 409 S. Main, Vicksburg (269-649-1697). The funeral service will be on Monday, May 14, 2018, 11:00 am at Vicksburg United Methodist Church with Pastor Greg Culver officiating. Burial will be at Mint Cemetery.

Please visit Mason’s webpage at www.mccowensecord.com where you can sign his online guestbook and share a memory. Those who wish may make contributions to a memorial fund being set-up at the Kalamazoo County State Bank.