Tom Heflin Obituary

Name: Celebration of Life for Tom Heflin
Start: 2022-03-12T19:00:00.000Z
Location: First Presbyterian Church

TOM HEFLIN

May 31, 1951 January 15, 2022

Known for his big smile, calm presence and kind heart, Tom Heflin left his boys, left his girls to

meet his Savior, Jesus Christ, in Heaven on Jan. 15, 2022. When they laid him down to die, they laid him down to live.

All I have to do is cross the street. Well, I have my Bible with me. Susan, can you see all the Stars? His words assured us all he was ready to go Home.

Robert Thomas Heflin, born May 31, 1951, graduated from South High class of 69, joined the

Bakersfield City Fire Department in 74 and retired from Station 1 as a tillerman in 2001. He often said, I have the best job in the department. Sitting high on the ladder truck waving at the little kids and all the pretty girls. Known as a calming presence in the firehouse, a voice of reason on calls, and a mean pitcher on the BFD Olympic softball team, Tom was a local hero.

At 36 he married the love of his life, Susan, who joined him in his greatest accomplishment, raising their sons, Alex and Maxx. Winning the Best Father Ever award, Tom never missed their ball games, was their baseball coach, Cub Scout leader and helped in their classrooms. In their eyes he deserves sainthood.

In 2009 Tom survived a horrific car accident which changed his life. From then on life became a gift. God, whom he always believed in, became his personal friend. His last 13 years were pure bonus. He got to watch his sons grow from boys to men. He deepened his involvement at First Presbyterian Church, serving as an usher and deacon. And Peyton, his granddaughter and heart joy, was born.

Tom loved to cook, golf, drink his Captain Morgan rum and cherry coke, and play fantasy baseball, which he did for 50+ years. Susan, a flight attendant, enlarged his world. Together they explored Ireland, Japan, Hong Kong, Bali, Jakarta and Singapore. Where did he like traveling the most? Idaho. His last trip? Disneyland, with the family to celebrate Princess Peytons sixth birthday.

Tom was a lover, husband, Father, Papa, mentor and best friend to many.

Preceded in death by his parents, Pete and Joyce Heflin and sister, Anne Gillberg.

Tom is survived by his wife, Susan (Dobbs) Heflin; sons, Alex and Maxx; granddaughter, Peyton; and his brother, Terry Heflin of Colorado Springs, CO.

On Sundays, do as Tom would do. Go to church, come home and enjoy pancakes and bacon with your family. A Celebration of Life will be held March 12, at 11AM at First Presbyterian Church, 1705 17 th St, with a lunch reception following. In lieu of flowers make a donation to your favorite charity.

www.bakersfield.com/obits

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Bakersfield Californian on Jan. 30, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for Tom Heflin

6 Entries

Terry Mjohnson

June 26, 2023

I met Tom prior to working with him at the Fire Department. I played on the Fire Department Softball team with Tom 25 years. and The last few years on Truck one with him. we hared alot of life experiences both on and off the job. Tom was always happy and positative. He will be missed by all that knew him. A wonderful person and a great friend

Robert Provencio

March 12, 2022

Tom is someone I met at First Presbyterian church. Other than that one connection our circles did not really intersect. But for as long as I can remember Tom´s greeted me with a warm word and countless offers to help with whatever task was at hand. I never knew him to be anything but gracious, positive, and warm. It was a blessing to exchange greetings with him each Sunday and to watch him shepherd the flock. What a blessing.

Judy (Lautsch) Ward

February 1, 2022

I had the privilege of attending elementary, Jr. High and high school with Tom. He was always a kind and gentle soul with a smile that could light up a room. My sincere condolences to Tom's family and loved ones.

Lynn Rodgers

January 31, 2022

Enjoyed all our school years from Elementary thru High School. RIP Tom. You were always a good friend.

Darrell Wagoner

January 31, 2022

I could write a book about the life and good-times of Tom Heflin. I first met Tom in 1965 when he was heading off to his freshman year at South High and I was heading off to the 6th grade at Plantation Elementary. I lived around the corner. We were friends during that time but it wasn't until I got out of the Navy and returned to Bakersfield to go to BC that we really got to know each other.

We became roommates at the house on Real Road. Dennis Marriott, Tom, and I. It was so fantastic living there. Our place became party central. Tom always had a Halloween party every year and the Toga party is still being talked about.

I have so many stories. All of them good. I can never remember anyone who had a harsh word with Tom or he with them. He was always kind and gracious.

Our place was always a welcome place and I think that every guy I knew spent at least one night on our couch after an argument with the other half. It was just understood that if things got rough, we understand, and the couch is available.

I eventually transferred to UC Santa Barbara and it was great because Tom and some of the guys would make the drive over often and we'd have a blast there.

I was talking to one of the guys recently and I said that Tom was like the sun and all of us guys were planets that revolved around his gravity. In many ways, he literally was the epicenter of our lives there. Softball games on the weekends, then back to Real Road for refreshment. Card games. Fantasy baseball. Parties. On and on.

When I heard of Tom's recent health struggles I just couldn't get my head around it. And then when I found out how serious it was I was glad that he didn't have to suffer for along time. God made sure that Tom was repaid in kind and took him to a better place, deserving of Tom's contributions here on earth.

One of my oldest and most cherished friends.

I can see his smile now. Rest In Peace, Hubba!

TOGA! TOGA! TOGA!