Gregory Hephner

Gregory Hephner—a man filled with faith, love, and purpose—passed away peacefully on February 21, 2024, just 6 weeks after receiving a glioblastoma diagnosis. Greg was born on August 25, 1964, the last of the Baby Boomers, but very much a Boomer in work ethic, loyalty, and resourcefulness. Even from an early age, Greg started working with his family at Hephner TV & Electronics and other side businesses, learning practical business skills and expertise while other kids played. Greg worked his entire life in his family business, taking what his dad called a “fun break” while he earned his business degree at MidAmerica Nazarene University. While in college, Greg met Peggy, the love of his life, best friend, and wife of almost 38 years. After graduation, the couple returned to Wichita and the family business. Greg loved the years he spent working with his parents, Lonnie and Bonnie, and his wife Peggy. He was thrilled when his son Michael joined the business in 2010; the two began their partnership by earning their MBAs together at that time. Greg was delighted again when his other son Sean joined the family business in 2020, marveling often at the blessing of working alongside his two sons every day. This family work environment included the entire Hephner TV team, many who became like sons to Greg. His sons and employees are honored to carry on Greg and Lonnie’s family business legacy at Hephner TV.      

Greg centered his life on his love for Jesus Christ, and he was devoted to his local church Wichita First Nazarene as well as the global Nazarene church. A lifelong student of the Bible, Greg spent hours each week preparing to teach his small group Bible study everything he was learning about God. Greg’s vast knowledge of all things enriched everyone who knew him, yet he had a gift of sharing his insights in an approachable way that invited others to grow beside him at their own pace. Greg’s love for learning was voracious and contagious, and he carefully taught God’s Word and mentored others for over 35 years at Wichita First Nazarene. Greg also served on numerous boards, played percussion in the worship band, led mission trips, and volunteered for just about anything. If God tapped Greg’s shoulder for a task, he was all in—rolling up his sleeves, quietly getting things done, and attending to every minute detail. Greg was especially honored to serve as Chairman of the Board of Jesus Film Harvest Partners, to serve on the MNU Board of Trustees, and to be a founding member of the Clean Water 5K planning team. He was grateful to have the chance to travel internationally and see the fruit of these ministries in person, meeting many brothers and sisters from his global church family.  

Most importantly, Greg was an amazing family man who gave his family his best. He was generous with his time and affection, a man they could depend upon for wisdom, odd jobs, or just plain fun. Greg loved spending time with his wife, sons, daughters-in-law, grandkids, and also his close family tribe of siblings (in-laws included), nieces, and nephews. The tribe did all things together—work, serve, travel, and play. They were a team in everything, even in the last few weeks of Greg’s illness.      

Greg died too young, but he lived his 59 years fully and passionately. He was energetic, intelligent, creative, and diligent—accomplishing much in his short years, producing eternal fruit, and giving 100 percent to everything he did. His kindness toward all and deep love for God encircled his life.  Greg would want all to remember that they are loved by a good God, who has a purpose for their lives.  “For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.” Psalm 100:5    

Greg was preceded in death by his parents Lonnie and Bonnie Hephner.  Greg’s legacy lives on through his beloved wife Peggy, his sons Michael (Rachel) Hephner and Sean (Emily) Hephner, his grandchildren Adeline, Isabel, and David Hephner, his sister Lori Hephner, sister-in-law Maria (Dan) Loon, brother-in-law Michael (Susan) Cullado, nieces and nephews Rachel Roth, Audrey (Tim) Weaver, Samuel (Anna) Cullado, Skyler (Julie) Roth, Jacob (Brynley) Loon, and Jonathan Loon. He is also remembered by a host of friends and business colleagues, whom he loved dearly.   
 
To celebrate Greg’s life and honor his memory, a Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, February 29th at Wichita First Church of the Nazarene at 10:30 am. Friends and family are invited to attend and pay their respects.
 

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established with:

Malawi Clean Water Wells 

c/o Wichita First Church of the Nazarene

1400 E. Kellogg Dr

Wichita, KS 67211

You can also honor Greg by running or walking in his beloved Clean Water 5K on April 6th. Register at cleanwater5k.com.