Roll Call Tribute

Gary Edgar Hefner DVM
October 8, 1945 - January 26, 2021

Gary E. Hefner of McKinney, Texas passed away peacefully on January 26, 2021 at the age of 75, surrounded by his loving family. Gary was born in McKinney, Texas to H. E. “Hef” and Marie (Cundiff) Hefner on October 8, 1945. He attended school all 12 years in Allen, Texas and graduated in 1964 with 18 seniors in his graduating class. After high school, he attended Texas Tech University and transferred to Texas A&M University where he graduated from The College of Veterinary Medicine in 1970. After working for a large equine practice in Houston, Gary returned in 1972 to Allen to open the town’s first veterinary clinic, where he continued to practice until his retirement in 2017.

In 1971, Gary married Michele Arnold and together they raised three children, Whitney (David) Everett, Hank Hefner (Sarah) and Melissa Hefner. Happily, they all reside in McKinney, Texas where Gary was able to enjoy many hours with his beloved grandchildren, Hayden, Chandler, Tenley, Henry, and James. Gary has always had a very special relationship with Hayden and enjoyed many hours teaching him to hunt and ride horses and watching numerous tennis matches.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Gayle Tunnell.

Gary loved being a cowboy, attending rodeos, riding horses, team roping, hunting, and playing 42 with is buddies. He has cherished his many lifelong friendships and he will be greatly missed.

A “come and go” visitation will be held on Friday, February 5, 2021 from 7:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. at Turrentine Jackson Morrow Funeral Home in Allen. Only a limited number of guests will be allowed to enter the funeral home facility at any one time to maintain social distancing.

A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, February 6, 2021, at Ridgeview Memorial Park, 2525 Central Expressway North, Allen, Texas.

In support of our local, state, and federal govt including CDC directives and to protect the physical health, safety and well-being of our community, the following are Ridgeview Memorial Parks guidelines. All are invited to attend the Graveside Service, maintaining social distancing or you may remain in your vehicle. You will be able to listen to the service through speakers set up at the gravesite.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to the Dr. Gary E. Hefner Memorial Scholarship Fund through the Foundation for Allen Schools. To make an online donation go to www.AISDfoundation.org or send a check made out to Foundation for Allen Schools to: Foundation for Allen School, c/o Allen ISD Administration, 612 East Bethany Dr., Allen, Texas 75002. For many years Dr. Hefner was the vet for various FFA chapters throughout Collin County and always enjoyed having a student employee working at the clinic who was interested in Veterinary Medicine.

A "Come and Go" Visitation
Friday, February 5, 2021 from 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home
2525 Central Expressway North
Allen, Texas 75013

Graveside Service
Saturday, February 6, 2021 at 2:00 pm
Ridgeview Memorial Park
2525 Central Expressway North
Allen, Texas 75013

©Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow