Arthur A Hefner Jr.

September 12, 1926 – February 20, 2020

Our dad was known by many different names: Junior, Aubrey, Art, Hefner, Daddy, Grandpa, Great-Grandpa – depending on who was talking.

Art was born in Vian, Oklahoma, the first child of Martha Roberts and Arthur A Hefner. As a boy, he loved going to the movies when he had a nickel to spare, reading under his bed covers when he was supposed to be asleep, and going bowling. His family moved to Bakersfield, California in 1942, settled into a house in east Bakersfield, and joined nearby First Southern Baptist Church (now Columbus Street Baptist Church). He joined the Navy three days before his 18th birthday and thus became a member of The Greatest Generation by serving his country in World War II. He was honorably discharged after serving as a radarman for two years on a transport ship and a minesweeper.

Before entering the military, Art met Charlene Evans at church. After returning to Bakersfield, the couple began dating and were married September 19, 1948. They settled into family life with two daughters born over the next six years. Art worked as a letter carrier for the U.S. Postal Service and was the owner-operator of a busy Fosters Freeze on Niles Street before becoming a Correctional Officer at Tehachapi State Prison, retiring as a Correctional Sargent in 1990. The family’s free time centered around their church community and large extended family. Art and Charlene led a youth program for many years; Art played catcher on the church’s softball team, sang in the choir, served as a deacon, and taught adult Sunday School classes. They also enjoyed bowling together, although Charlene often admitted that Art was the REAL bowler in the family. Indeed, Art continued league bowling until 2014 at age 86, when the early symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease made it difficult to continue. He was able to enjoy an Honor Flight to Washington DC in April 2013 with fellow WWII veterans. Art and Charlene remained married for 54 years until Charlene’s death in 2003.

Art was a steadfast and loving father to his daughters, demonstrating family values, commitment, and support throughout his life. When Jan became involved in community theatre in the 1970’s, Art was always around to help build sets and even performed in a few plays at Bakersfield Community Theatre and Starlight of Kern. When Micki formed a business with her husband providing services at remote fire camps, Art traveled with them across the state after retirement to help out. He was always up to help someone move, or to loan a dollar or two, because he said, “That’s what you do for family.” The entire family is so grateful that he was still with them to meet his great-great-grandson last Christmas.

Art is survived by daughters Micki Anglin (Dan), and Jan Hefner; granddaughters Toni Pendergrass (Steve), and Kira Moldenhauer (Kevin); great-grandchildren Dani Harbaugh (Johnathon), Cali Trusty (Nick), Hayley and Lexi Moldenhauer, Gavin and Jazzy Pendergrass; great-great-grandson Jax Wade Harbaugh; and sister Judy Hays. He was predeceased by his parents, his beloved wife Charlene, brother Kenneth Hefner, sister Betty Evans, and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Many thanks to care providers at Dignity Health’s Homemaker Care Program and Optimal Hospice for the compassionate and loving care they provided Art over the last fourteen months.

A cryptside service with military honors will be held at Hillcrest Cemetery Friday, March 6 at 9:30 am, and will be followed by a Celebration of Life at Columbus Street Baptist Church, 714 Columbus Street in Bakersfield. Lunch will follow in the church Fellowship Hall. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Art’s name to Columbus Street Baptist Church or the charity of your choice.

The void left by Art’s passing is huge, but we are comforted that he is reunited with our mother, that he is free from pain, and by the memories of a long life well-lived. We love you Daddy.