Brian McKinley Heaps

Brian McKinley Heaps, 41, of Pampa, formerly of Arizona, passed away peacefully on September 25, 2026, at home, surrounded by his family and loved ones.

Services will be held by the family at a later date. Arrangements and cremation are under the direction of Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Directors and Crematory.

Brian was born on May 13, 1985, in Phoenix to Mary and Robert “Bob” Heaps. He grew up in Litchfield Park, where his childhood was filled with many memories, friendships, and the simple joys of growing up in a small-town community. Those years helped shape the person Brian would become and gave him a deep appreciation for the people and memories that made life meaningful.

After graduating from high school in Phoenix, Brian attended the Arizona Automotive Institute, pursuing his interest in automotive repair. Although he completed the program and worked briefly in the field, Brian soon discovered where his true passion and calling lay — behind the wheel of a commercial truck. Brian went on to become a professional truck driver, eventually working as a fuel tanker driver in the oil and gas industry. His career took him to many places and introduced him to countless people along the way. He spent time working in Alaska and in several Texas communities, including New Braunfels, Odessa, Midland, and Wink, before making Pampa his home in recent years. Throughout his career, Brian drove for Valley Transport, Jax Transport, and several other companies.

It was in Pampa that Brian met his girlfriend, Jessica Evans. The two shared the last several months of his life together, creating memories that will be treasured always.

Although Brian’s work often kept him away from home for long hours and days at a time, he always found ways to enjoy the things that brought him happiness. He loved playing video games, going off-roading, and spending time with the people who meant the most to him. He had a wonderfully sarcastic sense of humor that his family knew and loved, and he had a personality that could make even ordinary moments memorable.

Brian could be stubborn at times, but beneath that was a heart that cared deeply. He had a special gift for making people feel seen, valued, and important. When you were with Brian, he had a way of making you feel as though you were the only person in the room who mattered. He made a genuine effort to stay connected to his family and friends, no matter how far away work or life took him.

Above all, Brian was someone who was deeply loved. He leaves behind memories filled with laughter, teasing, adventures, and countless moments that those who knew him will carry in their hearts. His absence will be deeply felt, but so will the love he gave so freely to the people around him.

Brian was preceded in death by his grandfathers, Charles Dun and Allen Heaps.

He is survived by his parents, Bob and Mary Heaps; sister, Cortney Heaps, and her wife, Megan Liesenselt; stepchildren, Trenais Riley, Kristoph Riley, and Roran Riley; girlfriend, Jessica Evans; niece, McKinley Heaps; grandmother, Jo Ann Dun; aunt, Katie MacTaggart and her husband, Scott, and their children, Jake, Kyle, and Sean; uncle, Jeff Dun and his wife, Blythe, and children, Kristene, Kevin, Chase, and Riley; as well as other extended family and many friends who will remember and miss him dearly.

Brian’s life touched more people than he may have ever realized. He will be remembered for his humor, his stubborn spirit, his adventurous nature, and most of all, for the way he made the people he loved feel that they mattered. He will be deeply missed and forever loved.