Irwin E Heflin's Obituary
Irwin Eugene 'Gene' Heflin, 86, beloved father, husband, and grandfather, passed away in Tulsa, OK, on Sunday, April 7, 2013. Gene was born in Kell, IL on January, 31, 1927 to Colonel Irwin Heflin and Cecil Eugenia Purdue. He was the youngest of four children, Virginia Heflin, John Heflin, and Mary Dethrow, but even through the Depression, Colonel's position with the U.S. Postal Service kept the family afloat. Having graduated high school in Carbondale, IL and completed some college courses, Gene served as a Cadet and Midshipman at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy by Congressional Appointment. Afterward, Gene enlisted in the United States Army and was initially stationed at Fort Scott in Chicago, IL in 1946. Gene served in the U.S. Occupation of Japan. While serving overseas, his intelligence and attention to detail were quickly recognized by his Commanding Officer. Gene was assigned the task of using records to locate high ranking Japanese officials and was instrumental in the capture of many who had long eluded the U.S. Military. For his service, Gene received the WWII Victory Medal and the Occupation of Japan Medal. Gene met Rosalie Woodward, his beautiful wife and lifelong partner, as a teen in Kell and wed her at the age of 19. Following his deployment, Gene returned to his young wife and they had two beautiful daughters together in Salem, IL. Gene began working as an accountant for Texaco, where he was employed until his retirement. After the girls were grown, his work at Texaco allowed the Heflins to relocate to Tulsa, OK, Denver, CO, and eventually settle in Broken Arrow, OK where Gene continued to work as a Tax Preparer following his retirement. While still in Salem, Gene served as a City Councilman. He was also a Member of the Salem Elks Club and Salem Lions Club. In Oklahoma, Gene was a Lifetime Member of the Disabled American Veterans Chapter 32. Gene enjoyed golfing at Indian Springs Country Club, gardening, and spending time with his family. He was simply one of the best men anyone could be lucky enough to know. Gene was preceded in death by only a few weeks by his wife of 67 years, Rose Heflin. He is survived by his daughter, Glenna Arnott; daughter and son-in-law, Pam and John Clifton; granddaughter Heather Shavney (her husband Justin); grandson, Cole Clifton; great grandson Creek Shavney; great granddaughter Rosalie Shavney; sister Mary Dethrow (her husband Clint); nephews James Alexander (his wife Linda) and Charles Howard (his wife Cindy) and their families; as well as other family members and many friends. An inurnment ceremony will be held Thursday, April 18, 2013 at 1:00 p.m. at Floral Haven Memorial Gardens, 6500 S. 129th E. Ave., Broken Arrow, OK 74012.
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