Robert R Heine

Robert R. "Bob" Heine, 94, of Fenton died August 19, 2024, at his home. Bob was known as an honest, generous and loving man who served God, Country and Family. He married his high school sweetheart, Mary Christel Hovestadt after his honorable discharge from the Air Force in 1952. Bob was always devoted to her, their six children and their ever-growing family of 85 (including spouses) and counting. As an electrical engineering specialist, Bob worked for McDonnell Douglas and then Boeing on the space program starting back in the 1960's until his retirement. He was in the block house control room for all the early Space launches including John Glenns history making mission that circled the globe. In retirement, Bob had various interests including woodworking, playing softball (well into his eighties!) and playing cards. He especially liked Euchre and Pitch card games. But the most common theme for Bob was his avid fanship of the St Louis Cardinals. Even into his early 90's he kept track of every game and upcoming players. He bought an iPhone with the Cardinals app on it around the age of 90 just so he could easily see when the next game was on and where to watch it. Anyone that knew Bob knew about his love of the Red Birds. But above all Bob loved watching and helping his family grow. He was always available to talk, help and generally just be there for whatever support they needed. He kept a handwritten list of all the birthdays and anniversaries. And with such a large and ever-growing family that was quite a task. Bob was a parishioner of St Paul's Catholic Church and a former Knights of Columbus member. Born October 14, 1929, in Prairie Du Rocher, Illinois, he was the eldest son of the late Loyd and Blanche Heine. He was preceded in death by his wife: Mary "Chris" (Hovestadt) Heine; Two sisters: Betty (McDermott), Faye (Brown) and one brother: Bill Heine. He is survived by six children: Bob (Susan) Heine, Michael (Diane) Heine, Susan (Robert) Phillips, Mary Kay (Mike) Andler, Sandra Murphy and Steven (Jane) Heine; twenty five grandchildren: Tracy Smith, Bryan, Keith, Kevin, Anthony, Cindy Neary, Mary Krispin, Sr. Cathy, Julie Hayward, Jennie, Robert, Christie, Jennifer Sullivan, Ashley, Courtney Chojecki, William, Christopher, Angela Hackney, Jonathon, Steve, Dan, Zach, Tommy, Marilyn and Oliva; thirty five great grandchildren, one great-great grandchild and one brother: Ray Heine. Visitation is scheduled from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday Sep. 8, at Jay B. Smith Funeral Homes, 777 Oakwood (at 141), Fenton, MO 63026. A funeral Mass is scheduled for 10 a.m. Monday Sep 9, at St. Paul's Catholic Church in Fenton, MO. Burial will follow in the National Cemetery at Jefferson Barracks. Arrangements are under direction of Jay B. Smith Funeral Homes.

Robert R Heine

October 14, 1929 - August 19, 2024