Aulton William Hefner

Aulton William Hefner, 86, of West Thomas St., Carlsbad, New Mexico, passed away Saturday, July 21, 2012 at his home. A Memorial Service is scheduled for Friday, September 21, 2012, 13:00 AM, with Father Rod Hurst officiating. Interment was in Earl Ladd Cemetery in Danville, Arkansas in July, 2012. Denton-Wood Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Aulton William Hefner was born to Lovic W. and Dovie (Power) Hefner in Danville, Arkansas on July 3, 1926. He attended school in Danville, Arkansas and then served in the US Army in WWII European Theater during 1944 - 1946. He married Frances Horn in 1946 in Carlsbad, NM and to this union a son, Garry Lynn and a daughter, Lynda were born. Aulton purchased and operated the El Rancho Package Store and Lounge on South Canal Street in Carlsbad and also worked for PCA/US Refinery. He sold his business in 1985 and retired. Aulton married Elaine Ator on March 20, 1991. He was a giving, caring person who enjoyed fishing, hunting and was an avid gardener, winning Gardener of the Year awards at the Eddy County Fair in New Mexico. Aulton was a member of Grace Episcopal Church, Downtown Lions Club and the BPOE Elks, Lodge # 1558. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Frances in 1989 and daughter, Lynda Summers in August 2012. Survivors are his wife, Elaine Hefner of the home; son, Garry L. Hefner of Carlsbad, NM; grandson, Jon Summers of Carlsbad, NM; granddaughter, Amy Brannon and two great-grandchildren: Alexandria Massey and Ryan Massey all of Russellville, AR and extended family. Memorial contributions may be made to American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 1856, Clovis, NM 88101, Carlsbad Downtown Lions Club, P.O. Box 642, Carlsbad, NM 88221-0642 or Home Care Connection and Hospice, 513 S. Canal Street, Carlsbad, NM 88220. Condolences may be expressed at dentonwood.com.