LIMA – Miles Jacob Hefner, age 98, passed away February 6, 2021 at 1:58 P.M. in the house he built near Spencerville surrounded by his loved ones.

Miles was born May 5, 1922 in Bath Township to Pearl and Melvin Hefner who preceded him in death. Miles married his childhood sweetheart, Betty Jene Hefner, on July 8, 1944. They would have celebrated 77 years of wedded bliss this year.

Miles attended Central High School in Slabtown, OH. He served during World War II in the Army Air Corps 339 ^th Fighter Bomber Group as an aircraft welder. Miles service was medically ended before his tour of duty to the European theater, by German Measles that left him unconscious for several days. Miles, a pipefitter, worked for the Tilton Corporation, retiring in 1989 as the President of the company.

Miles Hefner was a proud Endowment Member of the National Rifle Association, a gun-safety instructor, avid hunter, and welder. He enjoyed cheering on his Cleveland Indians, and viewing his loved ones sporting events. He shared his passion for adventure with his wife, traveling the globe to include all fifty U.S. States, Europe, and parts of Asia. His favorite vacation outside of the country was to Jerusalem, Israel. One of his most cherished recent memories was being chosen by the Honor Flight, who escorted him around Washington D.C. to visit the World War II Memorial, honoring veterans who served during that era. His love of motorcycles he passed on to several loved ones who continue to ride in his memory. Miles was a born-again Christian. He was a devoted member of Immanuel Baptist Church where he faithfully attended services until he was physically unable.

Miles was preceded in death by his sister Marjorie Hefner, and his son John Hefner.

Miles is survived by his loving wife, Betty Hefner, age 94. His son James Hefner and daughter Cathy Root. Five grandchildren: Angela Beaver, Jennifer Hefner, Shannon Mellano, Shawn Parlette, and Aaron Root. Ten great-grandchildren: McKenna Beaver, Karissa Steinke, Jordan Steinke, Miles Mellano, Mason Mellano, Mitchell Mellano, Mamie Mellano, Danny Phalen, Elizabeth Parlette, and Kayla Parlette. And five great-great grandchildren: Oliver Mellano, Rylan Parlette, Felicity Mellano, Gabriel Rodriguez, and Knox Phalen.

There will be a viewing Tuesday, 9 February 2021 from 5 – 8 P.M. at the Thomas. E. Bayliff Funeral Home, 728 E. Fourth Street Spencerville, OH 45887. A Celebration of Life will be conducted by Pastor Paul Osborne at the Thomas E. Bayliff Funeral Home 1 P.M. Wednesday, 10 February 2021. Burial will be at the Greenlawn Cemetery on Dutch Hollow Rd. in Elida. All memorial contributions may be given to the Mercy Health St. Rita' Hospice 419-226-9113. Condolences may be sent to tbayliff@woh.rr.com

The family would like to thank the Mercy Health St. Rita's Hospice team whose compassionate and knowledgeable team assisted the family during our hour of need.