Robert Wayne Heflin, known by his family as "Bob," was born in Dunklin County near Senath, Missouri on Nov. 9, 1930 and passed away on Nov. 22, 2019.
He joined the U.S. Navy in 1948 and served during the Korean and Vietnam wars and retired after 20 years of service. He went on to retire from the University of Missouri at Rolla as a campus police officer. He worked and enjoyed his family farm in Vichy, Missouri, where he provided for his wife and children.
Robert was a longstanding member of the Liberty Church of Christ in Belle, Missouri.
He was preceded in death by his father, Delmar Heflin; his stepfather, John B. Steinbruegge; his mother, Mable Steinbruegge; his sister, Ovean Laswell; his son, William Heflin; and his son, Thomas Heflin.
Robert is survived by his wife of 65 years, Hazel; and their 16 children, Linda Dodson, Carol Bergal, Nancy Medina, Della Smith, Sam Heflin, John Heflin, Ruth Saladino, Esther Holmes, Sharon Nohren, Patricia Dougan, Vicky King, David Heflin, Bonnie Counts, Wendy Hawkins, Gwyn Sankey and Robert Heflin II. He is survived by 46 grandchildren and 33 great-grandchildren; as well as many extended family members and friends.
Visitation for Robert will be from 9:30 until 11 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2019 at Liberty Church of Christ near Belle.
Funeral services will follow at 11 a.m., with Randy Carr officiating. Interment will be in Liberty Cemetery with full military honors.
Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Liberty Cemetery Fund.
Arrangements are under the direction of Sassmann's Chapel, Belle, Missouri. (573-859-3712), www.sassmannschapel.com.
