Walter Ervin Heffler

Walter was born in Ohio on the 7th of August 1921 and was raised in New Orleans. He graduated from Stephen F. Austin High School in Houston. Walt was educated by the Navy at many fine universities across the country, including Rice, Notre Dame and Cornell, and he graduated from the University of Houston.

Walter proudly served his country as a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy in the South Pacific in World War II.

Walt returned safely to Houston to his bride, Elaine Daigle Heffler. Together they raised 3 daughters, Kay, Kim and Klare.

Walter had a long and illustrious career at Brown & Root, Inc. He retired in 1986 as Senior Vice President and Chief Engineer after 36 years of dedicated service. He was a man of utmost integrity and humility. Walt was licensed to practice engineering in almost every state. In 1987, he was honored to receive the Distinguished Engineering Alumnus Award from the U of H and was inducted into the Cullen College of Engineering Hall of Distinction.

Walter was a long-time member and usher at Second Baptist Church on Woodway. He will be remembered by many children there as the usher who always had candy for them.

Granhappy’s 5 great grandbabies and 8 grandchildren, his 3 girls and his devoted wife will continue his legacy of love, devotion and laughter. His sense of humor was known to everyone who crossed his path. We hope the angels are prepared for laughter.

The family acknowledges with gratitude the extraordinary care and empathy provided by the doctors and nurses at Memorial Hermann Hospital Memorial City in the Medical ICU, Odyssey Hospice and the staff at The Buckingham.

A funeral service is to be conducted at ten o’clock in the morning on Wednesday, the 16th of February, in the Sanctuary of Second Baptist Church, 6400 Woodway in Houston, where the Rev. Brian Jones is to officiate. Immediately following the service, all are invited to greet the family during a reception in the adjacent Deacons Parlor.

In memory and in honor of Granhappy, please tell a friend a funny story and go hug your family! “It’s the Christian thing to do.”