Christian Heady’s life celebrated

Hundreds captivated by the 12-year-old and his attitude gather at the Cardinal Stadium

Hundreds attended a celebration of Christian Heady’s life Sunday evening at Cardinal Stadium.

The entire region has been pulling for the 12-year-old through his treatments, but he lost his battle with cancer on Sept. 3.

Youth football coach Brad Gannaway (right) gave the eulogy, remembering Christian’s positive attitude as well as strength. His team broke huddle with “88 strong.” 

To the class of 2027, Gannaway said Christian’s “legacy will live on through you guys.”

Christian James Heady, 12, of Webb City, passed away Friday, Sept. 3, at his home, surrounded by his family. On May 9, 2009, he was born in Joplin, to Douglas Heady and Ashley Allen.

Christian loved spending time with his family and friends, enjoyed going to the lake and playing football. He was an avid Kansas City Chiefs fan, a huge Monster Jam fan, and loved roller coasters. In addition, Christian was a proud and faithful collector of shoes. His favorite pastimes were driving golf carts around the neighborhood and making TikTok videos with his friends.

Christian is survived by his mom, Ashley Allen; dad, Douglas Heady and his wife Leslie Qualls Heady, “bonus mom” to Christian; a brother, Brady McClintock; maternal grandparents, Bob and Becky Allen, all of Webb City; paternal grandparents, Richard and Donna Heady, Kansas City; stepgrandparents, Kirk and Becky Qualls; aunts and uncles, Megan and Kevin Tabereaux, Justin and Tammy Allen, Gina and Mark Weber, Dave and Ashley Groves, Andrew and Abby Weaver; cousins, Aubrey McKnight, Lukas, Tate, and Tyler Tabereaux, Justin Allen Jr., Shaylee Skaggs, Tyler, and Ava Weber; and his infamous “cancer” dogs, Joe Pug and Bowie James.

A celebration of life will be held at 6 p.m. Sunday at Cardinal Stadium.

Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of your choice. The funeral home staff will be available at the stadium to assist with your condolence cards and contributions.

Service arrangements are in the care of Rea Funeral Chapel, Sedalia, with assistance from Daniel Funeral Home, of Lamar.