Robert Heft, the designer of America’s 50-star flag, died Saturday afternoon (December 12th) at Covenant Medical Center in Saginaw, Michigan at the age of 67.

As noted in his obituary from the Wakeman Funeral Home in Saginaw, “Bob made his mark in our nation’s history by preparing for a U.S. history project in 1958, where he fashioned the family flag into what is now our country’s symbol.  Bob traveled the world extensively telling countless people of his unique story.”

One of Heft’s presentations came in the 1990’s when he was the featured speaker for a Three Rivers Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner at the Three Rivers Community Center.

Heft retired after 30 years as a high school and college history teacher.  He was a seven-term mayor of Napoleon, Ohio and past state president of the Ohio Mayors Association, past president of the Saginaw Lions Club, District Governor of District 11 D-1/Lions Club International, and was active in Habitat for Humanity, America’s Promise, Junior Achievement and 4-H and was a former member of the Masons.

As noted in the obituary, “His interest in flags originally came from his volunteer work as a former Boy Scout.  Bob was a very proud American.  He devoted his life to inspiring others.”

Funeral services will take place at 11 a.m. Thursday (December 17th) at Resurrection Lutheran Church in Saginaw.

For additional information from the Wakeman Funeral Home, click here.

For additional information about Robert Heft from other sources, click on the links below:

•  Wikipedia
•  Columbus Dispatch
•  Bancroft Cyberfair

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