Dates in office: April 11, 1939 - April 8, 1947
Born: February 7, 1874
Died: January 1, 1971

Texas-born Robert Alexander Hefner began his law practice in Beaumont, Texas. One of his early clients was a Native American seeking placement of his family on the Indian Tribal Rolls in Oklahoma. Hefner received one-third of the Indian Land Allotment owned by his client in payment for his services, and he chose land in Carter County, Oklahoma. Oil was subsequently discovered on this land, and Hefner became very wealthy.
Hefner then moved to Ardmore, Oklahoma, and immersed himself in civic affairs. He served as School Board President, City Attorney and Mayor. He also served as a Justice on the Oklahoma Supreme Court prior to becoming Mayor of Oklahoma City. 
A patient leader, Hefner was able to restore calm to the City Government after years of conflict. This atmosphere of stability and cooperation was conducive to progress, and a record-setting $23.4 million in bond issues were passed during Mayor Hefner’s eight-year tenure. Hefner was instrumental in establishment of the Midwest Air Depot, now known as Tinker Air Force Base, and the City’s Planning Department was created during his administration. 
Out of the many projects initiated by Hefner, one of the most long-lasting was increasing the City’s water supply by building a new reservoir. Although the $6.9 million bond issue only narrowly passed, it proved beneficial to future generations. In 1945, the reservoir was named Lake Hefner in his honor.