Honoring a life of faithful service
Robert Irvin Heflin (1952–2026) devoted nearly five decades to the students, families, and mission of Open Door Baptist Church and Christian Academy. Born in Dallas, Texas, to Irvin and Margaret Heflin, he graduated from J. F. Kimball High School in 1971. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Tennessee Temple University in 1975 where he served as student body chaplain. During his time at college, he married his high school sweetheart, Gloria. After graduating from college, the young couple moved to Oregon to help Mel Tittle with a church plant- Open Door Baptist Church meeting at the Rockwood Grange Hall. Three years later, the church moved to Troutdale where they founded Open Door Christian Academy and Robert began what would become a lifetime of leadership as its principal, beginning in 1978.
He lovingly cared for his flock. Teaching Sunday School and sharing object lessons in Wednesday chapel were a highlight of his. For 47 years, Robert faithfully guided ODCA with quiet strength, deep conviction, and a genuine love for teaching God’s Word. His greatest desire was that all would come to know Jesus Christ personally as Lord and Savior and grow in a personal relationship with Him.
After two years of battling a difficult illness, our beloved Robert (Husband, Father, Pop, Brother, Uncle, and Friend) was called home by his Lord and Savior. He fought the good fight and is now free of the suffering he endured for so long. He trusted in God to the very end and therefore embodied his love for Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”
As a family, we will miss him, but we know he is with his loving Savior. Robert is survived by his wife, Gloria; daughters, Esther Hill, Christy Rehman, & Bethany Taylor; Sister, Margaret Clayton; Sons-in-law, Jay Hill, Adam Rehman and Joshua Taylor and fifteen beloved grandchildren.
Special thanks for the compassion to the medical staff who cared for Robert.
A celebration of his wonderful life will be held at Open Door Baptist Church, Troutdale, at 1:00 pm, on September 12. Streaming will be available at Open Door Troutdale youtube channel.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to
Condolences(7) 
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Tammy Van Horn says
August 27, 2026 at 7:29 pmThe family is in my prayers and my heart just breaks for you all! He was so very much loved by so many and he will leave a huge void in our lives not having him here with us but how we can rejoice in the fact that he is forever with the Lord and NO MORE SUFFERING! Love and prayers to all of you
Gloria says
August 30, 2026 at 2:18 pmThank you, Sweet Tammy. I miss him so much but I’m so grateful heaven is real and he is there without pain and suffering, You have been such an encouragement to Robert and me. We love you and thank you for your prayers.!
Brad Millsap says
August 28, 2026 at 6:05 amGloria and Lovely Family – A childhood friend and baseball teammate, Robert was the epitome of heart and faith and competitive spirit! I am humbled by his faith and love for making everyone in the room feel special and his leadership. I have always held you and Robert as the perfect love and finding the perfect partner. Blessing to you as I will always celebrate Robert as a Christian man who gave it all and made this world a much better place. From the early years of playing Optimist Baseball at 12 wearing wool uniforms in the heat of the summer in Texas, Robert was a true friend who was a great teammate and friend. Love from the early days of Oakcliff!
Much love, Mina Crisler Dyess says
August 28, 2026 at 1:48 pmDear Gloria and family,
I am so sorry to hear the loss of Robert. You both were such an inspiration to me as a young Christian. I know he will be missed and no doubt he was met at the gates of glory with “well done thy faithful servant.” May God comfort you in the coming months and remember the sweet times.
Kathy Blalock Godwin says
September 7, 2026 at 4:35 amGloria, I’m sad for you and the girls, but rejoicing with Robert. What an inspiring bio of Robert. Joe and I will be praying for you all!
It was so timely to run across a pic of you two on FB’s suggested friends.. Love & hugs to you!
Kathy Blalock Godwin (TTU)
David says
September 7, 2026 at 8:09 amGloria,
You and Robert have been mentors and wonderful examples to me and Anita for decades. Robert led the Sunday School class we attended when we were young. You often opened your home to us and generously invested your time and lives in ours. We are deeply grateful for the love, encouragement, and example you gave us, and how your influence in our lives has helped strengthen our faith in the LORD and to rely on Him as our Savior, Refuge, Rock, and Guide throughout life.
Your entire family has been a blessing to us, and we are thankful for the many ways you have touched our lives over the years.
Our hearts are with you and your family during this difficult time. We pray that the LORD will surround you with His peace, comfort, and strength, and that the many wonderful memories of Robert will remain a source of encouragement in the days ahead. We will see Robert again…
With our deepest sympathy and love,
David & Anita
David & Connie Richardson says
September 12, 2026 at 7:01 amDear Gloria,
Our Heavenly Father called home one of his faithful warriors. His friendly steadfastness as principal at Open Door Christian Academy was a positive influence for our boys, Joshua, Daniel, Nathan and Philip. Only eternity will tell how many multitudes of other students Robert influenced for Christ. Our loss is Heaven’s gain and we SHALL see Robert again on that reunion day.