GPA Midstream and GPSA were saddened by the loss of Carl Hefley, a subject matter expert, gifted teacher, and godfather of GPA Midstream’s School of Gas Chromatography.

“I have the great privilege and honor of having known Carl Hefley for more than 40 years,” said Mark Scripsick, Manager, Measurement at Momentum Energy, and coordinator of the GPA School of Gas Chromatography. “He’s been a leader in our industry, a mentor in our profession, and a friend whose professional advice and personal counsel has greatly impacted my life, my family’s lives and the lives of many others. Carl’s big smile, his countless stories, and a laugh that made the world laugh with him, will be missed by all those whose lives he touched.”

Hefley was involved in the chromatography school for more than 50 years. He was a student at the third course in 1968. He became a permanent instructor in 1970, and after retirement, led planning, organizing, and presentation of the chromatography school for another 19 years.

“The people who do chromatography are the cash registers of their companies,” Hefley said. “Their measurements are critical to a business’s success.”

Hefley was dogged in making sure the chromatography school had the expertise it needed to deliver value, said Joe Landes, Technical Consultant at SPL Labs, and long-time member of the Analysis Committee, which plans and presents the chromatography school.

“Carl would touch base with all the folks who worked in the school to confirm participation,” Landes said. “Dee Orr, who was one of my managers, was denied participation by my boss, Herb Brown, who said we had enough others working the school.

“Carl called me after talking with Dee, and I explained Herb’s reasoning and why I disagreed. Carl then asked if he could call Herb. I said, 'Please do.'

“About 30 minutes later, Herb asked me to come to his office. He said, 'Why did you tell Carl Hefley to call me? You know I can’t say no to him.' ”

Hefley had a passion for chromatography and passing along that knowledge to the industry, said Carl Alleman, President of Precision Laboratory Audits, and coordinator of the chromatography school.

"It was his attention to detail that kept the school running smoothly year after year," Alleman said. "He made sure students attending were in classes and labs and engaged in learning. He taught us instructors a thing or two, as well. And that's enabled us to continue carrying on his passion for the chromatography school. Carl was a good friend and a mentor to many of the instructors, and we are better people for it."

For contributions to the chromatography school and the Analysis Committee, Hefley received the GPA Midstream Lifetime Achievement Award in 2014.

He was born March 19, 1934, in Webbers Falls, Oklahoma and raised in nearby Gore. Hefley told friends he realized through his chores on the family farm that he didn’t want to become a farmer like his father.

After a stint playing semi-pro baseball in an Arkansas Valley league, he began his oil and gas career with Carter Oil Company in 1956. He was drafted in 1957 and served two years in the Army’s Intelligence Division at Fort Hood in Texas.

He returned to Oklahoma and resumed his oil and gas career with Carter Oil, then with Taloma Gas Products division of Standard of Indiana, which ultimately became Amoco. When Amoco asked him to move to Chicago, Hefley joined Cities Service (acquired in 1992 by Occidental) in their NGL division where he worked for more than two decades.

With his trademark dedication and business acumen, he founded and built NGL Analysts, Inc. where he served as owner and CEO for several years.

For Hefley, faith and family came before anything else. He married Judy Resler, the love of his life, in 1962, and their only child, Janice, was born in April 1963. He was happiest at family gatherings, dinners, and vacations and was adored by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

To friends, family, and industry peers Hefley was an gregarious figure who thrived on conversation, from the lighthearted and fun to the serious and intellectual. His ability to create captivating stories was balanced by his gift of being able to empathize and listen to those around him.

He was known an excellent teacher, able to effectively share his extensive knowledge and skillset with those who desired to learn. He welcomed newcomers, enjoyed meeting new people, and touched lives with his sweet spirit and gentle demeanor.

Hefley was laid to rest on May 12, 2025. The family requests donations be made to Trinity Lutheran Church in Broken Arrow, Okla., where Hefley was a dedicated member for decades, or to a favorite charity in his honor.