Bobby Joe Heflin

Bobby Joe "Bob" Heflin passed away with loving family by his side on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, at the age of 87.

Bob was born on June 7, 1939, in Atkins, Arkansas, to Jesse and Ethel Lona (Maxwell) Heflin. The youngest of nine children, Bob moved with his family from Arkansas to Tulsa, Oklahoma, when he was nine years old. He attended Lowell Junior High School before leaving school after the eighth grade to go to work and help provide for himself and his family.

Bob learned the value of hard work at an early age. One of his first jobs was delivering telegrams for Western Union on a bicycle through the streets of Tulsa. He later went to work for Oil Capital Reproductions, where he began as a delivery truck driver. During his time there, he learned the printing trade and became a blueprinter, a skill that would eventually shape his lifelong career. He remained with the company for approximately ten years.

Bob later went into business with his brother-in-law, Bill, and together they started S&H Printing. What began as a business venture became a 40-year career for Bob and Barbara and later grew into a family-operated business. Through decades of dedication and hard work, Bob built and operated the print shop until he and Barbara retired in 2006.

Bob met the love of his life, Barbara Rothammer, when they were both very young. At just 18 and 17 years old, Bob and Barbara were married in December of 1957, beginning a remarkable life together that would span nearly seven decades.

For 40 years, Bob and Barbara made their home at Fort Gibson Lake, where they shared countless memories and enjoyed the peaceful lake life together. Retirement gave Bob even more time to appreciate the simple things he loved most. He and Barbara enjoyed watching baseball together on television, and Bob was always happy with a few of his favorite treats nearby. He especially loved Oreos, which he affectionately called his "black and white cookies," along with Nutty Buddy's.

Bob also had an adventurous side and enjoyed aviation. He owned his own airplane and flew privately, an accomplishment and pastime that reflected his independent spirit and willingness to take on new challenges.

From leaving school at a young age to work, to learning a trade and eventually building a successful family business that lasted four decades, Bob lived a life defined by determination, hard work, and devotion to those he loved. Above all, he treasured the life he built with Barbara and the many years they were blessed to share.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Jesse and Ethel Lona Heflin; seven brothers; and one sister.

He leaves behind his beloved wife, Barbara Heflin, along with many loving relatives and a host of friends who will cherish his memory.

A Funeral Service honoring Bob's life will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at Schaudt Glenpool-Bixby Funeral Service & Cremation Care Centers, 1329 East 151st Street, Glenpool, Oklahoma. A reception will follow the service at the funeral home.

Bob will be laid to rest in the Rothammer family plot at Oaklawn Cemetery in Tulsa, Oklahoma, a family burial plot dating back to 1907. A graveside service will take place on Monday, August 17, 2026, with the time to be announced.

Arrangements are entrusted to Schaudt Glenpool-Bixby Funeral Service & Cremation Care Centers, 1329 East 151st Street, Glenpool, OK 74033.

Family and friends may leave kind words of comfort, special memories, and condolences to the family online at www.schaudtfuneralservice.com.