Bob passed peacefully as he lived his entire life with tremendous courage and dignity. He was born in Boston, Massachusetts in 1933 to Hubert and Winifred Hefford. His family lived in Melrose, Mass. throughout his childhood. After graduating from Melrose High where he played football and track, Bob attended Northeastern University on a track scholarship, graduated, and then accepted his commission from ROTC as a second LT in USA. Bob served a 3-year tour in Europe with the 14th Armored Calvary Regiment in Fulda Germany. He served 2 tours in Vietnam as an Army Aviator. By the time he had seen his last combat, Bob had received the Purple Heart and multiple awards for valor, including the Distinguished Flying Cross for heroism, and the Silver Star with Oak Leaf Cluster.
After returning from Vietnam, Bob was assigned to the Army Aviation Directorate at the Pentagon. He then served as Commander, 1st Squadron (Air), 17th Calvary, 82nd Airborne Division, and the Commander of the Dallas Recruiting Command. In addition to commanding assignments, he attended the Air War College in Montgomery, Ala., and received his MPA at Auburn University. Bob served as Brigade Advisor to the 1/49th Armored Division at Ft. Sam Houston, San Antonio, TX, the Director of Aviation of the Armor Center at Ft. Knox, KY. In 1981 having a desire to return to Texas for his final assignment, Bob became Senior Advisor to the Adjutant General, Texas National Guard in Austin.
Following military service, Bob was employed by the Texas Dept. of Public Safety as Plans and Operations Officer for the Governor’s Division of Emergency Management and at the Dept. of Insurance as Dir. of Research and Special Projects, retiring in 1994.
With Bob’s love of the military, he held positions in the Purple Heart Association, and the Military Order of World Wars. He enjoyed his time on the Board of the Military Museum at Camp Marby. Bob was a member of the Ben Hur Scottish Rite, The Order of Quiet Birdmen’s Pilot Assoc., served many years as election judge and was a long-time member of St. Luke’s on the Lake, He loved playing tennis at the Courtyard, golf at Lago Vista and Balconies Golf Clubs, hunting with his buddies, and making dulcimers musical instruments for his children.
Bob’s death is proceeded by his parents Hubert and Winifred Hefford, his son Robert Hefford Jr., and brother Charles Hefford. Bob is survived by his wife Valerie, the love of his life of 45 years; his children Sandra DeStefano and Douglas Hefford; step children, Karen Arseniu, Jay Smith and Kelly Sanford; sister Bernice Henderson; 6 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews and many close friends.
The family is grateful to the devoted and caring staff at Arden Courts, Kindred Hospice and longtime physician, Dr. David Martin. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Assoc., Leukemia Assoc. and Shrine Children’s Hospital.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 31st, 6-8 pm at Cook-Walden Chapel of the Hills, 9700 Anderson Mill Rd, Austin, Texas. Funeral Service will be at 2:00 p.m., June 1st at St. Luke’s on the Lake Episcopal Church, 5600 Ranch Road 620 N., Austin. He will be interred at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery on June 6, at 10:00 a.m.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.cookwaldenchapelofthehills.com for the Hefford Family.
