Robert A. Heyart, age 78 of Barryton, went unexpectedly into the loving arms of his Savior, on Sunday, January 5, 2014 at his home. He was born on January 3, 1936 in Wyandotte, MI the son of Charles and Beatrice (St. Amant) Heyart. Bob was raised in Ecorse where he graduated from St. Francis Xavier High School in 1953. On July 1, 1961 he married Mary E. Foster in Warren, MI and they made their home in Sterling Heights. In 1962 he earned his bachelors in Business Administration from the University of Detroit. Bob began his extensive military career when he enlisted in the Air National Guard in 1955. He had 34 years of military service, both as part-time warrior and full-time Technician, with his proudest accomplishment being the development of the Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) at Selfridge Air Force Base in 1977. He was instrumental in having Congress pass legislation to give the power to the CCAF to grant degrees and retired from the Air Force Reserve in 1989. He used his knowledge of military benefits to help fellow veterans. Bob was actively involved with the Barryton American Legion Post #473 where he was a former Post Commander and current adjutant. He was a former councilor for the Mecosta County Veterans Affairs office and liaison. Bob and Mary Beth made their recreational property in Barryton their permanent home in 2000. Bob enjoyed reading, camping and was an avid hunter. He could play a number of musical instruments but favored the accordion and keyboard. Bob was a 3rd and 4th degree member of the Knights of Columbus and member of St. Michael's Catholic Parish in Remus. Bob leaves behind his wife of 52 years, Mary Beth of Barryton; 6 children of whom he was extremely proud and several of whom are presently serving in the Air National Guard: They are: SMSgt. Christine (Lyle) Koch of Mt. Clemens, MSgt. Anthony (Katherine) Heyart of Kalamazoo, Catherine (Thomas) Tietschert of Allenton, former Navy veteran, PO2 Thomas (Kristin) Heyart of Mt. Clemens, Maj. Robert (Beth) Heyart of Midland and Maj. Ronald (Pamela) Heyart of St. Paris, OH. Taken together, Bob and his children have served 162 years in the U.S. military. He is also survived by his twin brother, Maj. Richard (Helen) Heyart, USAF (ret) of Canadian Lakes, a brother, James (Dorothy) Heyart of Troy, a sister Bernadine (Barney) Witkowski of Spring, TX; 15 grandchildren (including two sets of twin girls); and numerous nieces, nephews and close friends. Robert was preceded in death by his parents and one brother Charles. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, January 13, 2014 at St. Michael's Catholic Parish (8929 50th Ave., Remus, 49340) with the family greeting friends from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service at 11:00 a.m. at church. The family will also greet friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 12th at St. Michael's with a rosary at 7:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made to American Legion Post #473 (Box 151, Barryton, MI 49305) or St. Michael's Catholic Parish.