Aulton William Hefner, 86, of Carlsbad, New Mexico, formerly of Danville passed away Saturday, July 21, 2012 at his home. He 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. Survivors are his wife, Elaine Hefner of the home; son, Garry L. Hefner of Carlsbad, NM; daughter, Lynda Summers of Ruidoso, 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. Fueral services are scheduled for Friday, July 27, 2012, 10:00 AM at Danville Cornwell Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow in Earl Ladd Cemetery. A Memorial Service will be held at Grace Episcopal Church in Carlsbad, New Mexico at a later date. 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. Arrangements are by Cornwell Funeral Home Danville and Denton-Wood Funeral Home Carlsbad, New Mexico. Online guestbook and condolences at www.cornwellfuneralhomes.com and dentonwood.com