Ford – Wesley Lane Hefner, 77, died January 8, 2024 at St. Catherine's Hospital in Dodge City.  He was born on December 9, 1946 at LaJunta, Colorado the son of Marshall Lane and Dorothy (Fowler) Hefner.

Growing up Wes spent his summers helping his grandfather on the family farm east of Ford, Kansas and with his cousins in Dodge City. This is where his love for Southwest Kansas was born. He vowed he would live back here someday.

Wes and Cheryle Shaw were married on February 10, 1979 in Denver, Colorado. Two years later in 1981 they moved their blended family to Ford where Wes built their home.

In August 1994 Wes and Cheryle opened Hefner Machine, Inc. on South 14th Ave. in Dodge City. It is presently being operated by Cheryle and their grandson, Lucas Hefner

As everyone knows, Wes was a diehard Bronco fan having season tickets since 1976. Please wear your team's jersey, t-shirt or team colors so we can give him a proper send off. He will be wearing his jersey for sure.

He is survived by his wife of the home, three sons, Wes Jr. and wife Tina of London, Kentucky; Rod and wife Julie of DeSoto, Kansas; Scott and wife Veronica of Dodge City; Stepdaughter Connie Dunham and husband Jeff of Breckenridge, Texas and Stepson Kelly Shaw and wife Tracy of Dodge City; grandchildren Shane Hefner and wife Suzie of Overland Park, Kansas Alex Hefner of USAF Hill AFB Utah; Justin Hefner USN Norfolk, Virginia; Jordan Hefner and wife Madi of Richmond, Kentucky; Lucas Hefner and wife Bailey of Cimarron, Kansas; Stepdaughter Zoe Shaw of Wichita, Kansas; step grandsons Steven and wife Tori Mills of Monroe, Louisiana and Christian Mills of Dodge City and three great grandchildren Cadence, Jordan (JoJo) and Crew Mills of Dearborn, Missouri.

He was preceded in death by his parents Lane and Dorothy Hefner, step granddaughter Caitlyn Shaw and step grandson Jon Mills.

Funeral service will be held at Swaim Funeral Chapel on Saturday January 27, 2024 at 10:00 AM with Rev. Allen Smith presiding.  Burial will follow at Pleasant Valley Cemetery located at 132 RD and Primrose Rd. Visitation will be at Swaim Funeral Chapel on Friday, January 26, 2024 from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM, with the family in attendance from 2PM to 4PM. Memorials are suggested to Children's Mercy Hospital or Ford County Humane Society  in care of the funeral home. Following the burial a lunch will be served at I Don't Care Restaurant. Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guest book at www.swaimfuneralhome.com.