Robert R. "Bob" Heine, 94, of Fenton died Aug. 19, 2024, at his home. Mr. Heine married his high school sweetheart after his honorable discharge from the Air Force in 1952. As an electrical engineering specialist, he worked for McDonnell Douglas and then Boeing on the space program starting back in the 1960s until his retirement. He was in the block house control room for all the early space launches including John Glenn's mission. In retirement, he had various interests including woodworking, playing softball and playing cards. He especially liked Euchre and Pitch card games. He was known as an avid fan of the St. Louis Cardinals. Even into his early nineties, he kept track of every game and upcoming players. He bought an iPhone with the Cardinals app around the age of 90 to see when the next game was on and where to watch it. Above all, he loved watching and helping his family grow. He kept a handwritten list of all the birthdays and anniversaries of his large family of 85. He was a parishioner of St. Paul's Catholic Church and a former Knights of Columbus member. He will be remembered as an honest, generous and loving man who served God, his country and his family. Born Oct. 14, 1929, in Prairie Du Rocher, Ill., he was the eldest son of the late Loyd and Blanche Heine.
He was preceded in death by his wife: Mary "Chris" (Hovestadt) 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; 25 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; 35 great-grandchildren; a great-great grandchild; and a brother: Ray Heine.
He also was preceded in death by two sisters: Betty (McDermott) and Faye (Brown); and a brother: Bill Heine.
Visitation is scheduled from 4-8 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 8, at Jay B. Smith Funeral Home, 777 Oakwood Drive, in Fenton. A funeral Mass is scheduled for 10 a.m. Monday, Sept. 9, at St. Paul’s Catholic Church, 15 Forest Knoll Drive, in Fenton. Burial will follow in the National Cemetery at Jefferson Barracks. Arrangements are under the direction of Jay B. Smith Funeral Homes.