Ronald Kenneth Hettinger, 81, of Columbus, passed away Wednesday, Feb. 13, 2013 at Autumn Care of Saluda.

Born in Albany, N.Y., he was the son of the late Kenneth and Freda Norstrom Hettinger.  Mr. Hettinger was a veteran of the U.S. Navy having served during the Korean Conflict. He retired after 25 years of service with the Continental Insurance Company.

Mr. Hettinger moved to Polk County in 1989 coming from Annandale, N.J. He was very active in the community having sung in several Gilbert and Sullivan musicals and theatrical performances at the Tryon Little Theatre. He also appeared with the Palmetto Statesman Chorus in Spartanburg, S.C. and the Community Chorus in Tryon. He received the Second Wind Hall of Fame award on the day he passed away.

Mr. Hettinger enjoyed scuba diving and was a small airplane and glider plane pilot. He was a member of the Congregational Church of Christ in Tryon, where he served on the board of deacons and sang in the choir.

Surviving is his wife of 55 years, Susan Steinhauer Hettinger; two sons, Douglas Hettinger (Christine) of Johns Creek, Ga. and Jon Hettinger (Gloria) of Glen Rock, N.J.; and one daughter, Rhonda Heffern (William) of Carversville, Penn. Also surviving are seven grandchildren: Robert, Kathryn, Alexandra, Juliana, Elizabeth, Chloe and Seamus; and one great-grandchild, Lucille.

Memorial services will be held at a later date.

Memorials may be made to Autumn Care of Saluda, 501 Esseola Street, Saluda, N.C. 28773, Congregational Church of Christ, P.O. Box 1367, Tryon, N.C. 28782 or to the charity of donor’s choice.

An online guest register and service updates are available at www.mcfarlandfuneralchapel.com