NEWTON — Michael Ken Headings passed from this life on Nov. 19, 2025 in Boston, Mass. He was born on Dec. 25, 1967, in Hutchinson, Kan., the youngest of five children to Bill Headings and Lorene Jeanette (Volkland) Headings. The family moved to Missouri for a time and Mike attended Kindergarten through 4th grade in Ava, Mo. The family then returned to Hutchinson, and Mike graduated from Hutchinson High School in 1986.
Mike is survived by the love of his life, wife of 26 years, Jessica Ann (Roraback) Headings and their two sons, Logan Michael Headings and Cody William Headings; brothers, Donald Headings and Gary Headings of Hutchinson, and Clifford Headings; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family. Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Lorene Headings, as well as his sister, Valetta Faye Williams.
Mike explored many paths throughout his life. He was thrilled to have the opportunity to attend Kansas State University and obtain his BS in Electrical Engineering in 1990. This led him to move to Great Bend, Kan. to work as a distribution engineer for the local electric company. While in Great Bend, Mike’s love of superheroes and comic books pushed him into opening his own comic and trading card store, MiKel Comics and Cards, in his spare time. His customers became lifelong friends and family.
Mike then shifted careers to become a consultant with a GIS mapping company, R&S Digital, spending time traveling the country to train city and county governments on use of GIS software.
Mike met Jessica in Great Bend and they married in Las Vegas, Nev. on May 15, 1999. They soon moved to Newton, Kan. to continue their adventures together. The happy couple welcomed Logan to the family in 2003 and Cody in 2005.
Mike spent over 26 years in public service working as a civil engineer for the City of Newton, Kan. and was nearing retirement. He was very proud of the work he did for the Newton community, designing, reviewing, managing or inspecting projects including the Springlake Splash Park, Centennial Ballfields, the Wetlands Park, soccer fields west of Newton High School, and Fischer Field turf.
Mike was diagnosed in March of this year with a very rare aggressive cancer, T-Cell Prolymphocytic Leukemia. In June, Mike and Jessica went to Boston for care. None of the multiple treatments he tried could get him into remission and he passed away from complications of his disease and treatment.
There will be a come and go gathering on Friday, Dec. 26, 2025 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in care of Petersen Funeral Home, or to First Responder Holiday Helpers in care of Newton Police Department, 120 E. 7th St, Newton, KS 67114.
Funeral arrangements provided by
Petersen Funeral Home
214 N. Main St.
Newton, KS 67114
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Dec. 18, 2025
