ROBERT STANLEY HEEBNER Jr.

Robert Stanley Heebner, Jr. died peacefully surrounded by his family on April 18, 2010, at the ripe old age of 94 years. He was born to Robert S. Heebner and Mary Helen Heebner in Lansdale, PA. on August 16, 1915. He attended Stetson University from 1929-1932 because of the beneficence of his father's aunt, Florence Nash Weiss. Mr. Heebner graduated with a degree from the business school at Stetson and was the editor-in-chief of the Stetson Hatter Newspaper. It was there that he met his lifelong mate, Mary Elizabeth Bird. They married in 1942 just before Mr. Heebner departed to the Pacific Theater as a Navy aviator flying torpedo planes and dive bombers from aircraft carriers. From that experience he retained a life-long love of flying including a Stinson and a Cherokee 6 aircraft. He was the pilot and his wife was the navigator. They flew on adventures that others would not dare. After various jobs in sales, he became an appraiser and Vice President of First Federal Bank of DeLand. He attained his MAI designation and remained with First Federal until it became Empire Federal. Upon his retirement, he enjoyed the beauty of his Glenwood ranch including the nurturing of cows, fern, orange groves and vegetables. He was an avid golfer and a longtime member of the DeLand Country Club. He also enjoyed many years of "choir" practice on Friday nights with his poker buddies. He was a longtime member and president of the DeLand Rotary Club. He was also a member of the Board of Directors and President of the DeLand Chamber of Commerce. He was always known for his insistence on civic responsibility. He had a quick wit and good humor. He was kind and generous to everyone he met. He accepted life with all of its foibles with grace and good humor. He would not say a bad word about anyone, even if it was deserved. He leaves behind his wife of 65 years, Bette (Birdie) Heebner; three children, Peter B. Heebner(Nan), Robert Stanley Heebner, III(Debbie) and Pamela Bouton(Bruce); and 6 grandchildren; and 4 great-grandchildren. There will be a memorial service at his beloved St. Barnabas Episcopal Church in DeLand on Friday, April 23rd at 11:00 A.M. In lieu of flowers or other remembrances, the family requests any donations be made to the Stetson University Business School. Allen-Summerhill Funeral Home in DeLand is in charge.