David Wesley Heckman, Jr.

David Wesley Heckman, Jr. was born on April 20, 1936, at Ottawa, Kansas, to David Wesley and Ethel Mae (Heinis) Heckman. David grew up in Williamsburg. During his nine years in the military, he was stationed at Camp Pendleton, in San Diego, California. He moved to Ottawa in 1963, Pomona in 1968, Lyndon in 1972, and Brownsville, Indiana in 1975. In 1982, he returned to Ottawa, where he made his home until his death, Monday, October 11, 2004, at the age of sixty-eight years. David graduated from Williamsburg (Kansas) High School with the class of 1954. From 1968 to 1972, he owned the Pomona Caf' and farmed for Jack Wilson, while serving as Sheriff of Pomona. From 1972 to 1975, he was self-employed, building pole barns. He farmed in Indiana from 1975 to 1982. From 1982 to 1996, he worked as a welder for Skyhook. From 1996 to 1999, he was self-employed, known as Heckman Fencing. In 1999, he was employed as a packaging technician for Danisco, a food preservative ingredient company, in New Century, Kansas, retiring on June 12, 2004. He served in the United States Marine Corps from 1954 to 1963, attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant E-6. During this time, he was a Golden Glove Boxer. David was one of the most giving people his family knew. He was always there to help anyone who needed it. If there was something to do, he would do it. Always busy with one thing or another. When he was young, he took great pride in putting on the Pomona fireworks display every year. In his free time, he would always try to be outdoors. Whether fishing, camping, or golfing, the outdoors were special to David. On April 15, 1956, David was united in marriage with Betty Byrd at Long Beach, California. She survives of their home. David and Betty met at the local drug store in California. David followed her all the way home, just a few steps behind. He finally stirred up the courage to ask her out on a date. Her answer was that he would have to ask her dad, who told him only if he had turtle for dinner with the family. David did, and two months later, they were married. During their forty-eight years of marriage, they had many things to be thankful for, but most of all, was the time and love they shared together. David is also survived by his father; four children; David Kerry Heckman of West College Corner, Indiana, Kathy Wilson of Ottawa, Kansas, Michael J. Heckman of Eugene, Oregon, and Charlie B. Heckman of Ottawa, Kansas; three siblings, Delaine V. Heckman of Pomona, Kansas, Judith Kay Schurle of Pomona, Kansas, Patricia Ann Livengood of Pomona, Kansas; twelve grandchildren; and, thirteen great-grandchildren. His mother and great-grandson, David Tyler Heckman, precede him in death. His family remembers David saying grace every holiday and how much he loved to cook. His children will always see their father setting in his chair in the kitchen with a cigarette and his cup of coffee. To them, he was not just a father, but a best friend. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren, some of whom lovingly refer to him as Grandpa Goofy, were the light of his eyes. To David, his greatest accomplishment was his loving family. SERVICES: Funeral services will be held from the Dengel & Son Mortuary 2:00 p.m. Friday, October 15, 2004. OFFICIATING CLERGY: Rev. Clyde Greisen. IN STATE: Friends may pay their respects to Mr. Heckman at the Dengel & Son Mortuary after 5:00 p.m. Wednesday to the service hour, where the family will meet with friends 7 to 8:00 Thursday evening. CEMETERY: Highland Cemetery, Ottawa, Kansas. MEMORIALS: The family suggests memorials to Franklin County Cancer Foundation, c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067. Condolences may be e-mailed to the family through dengelmortuary@sbcglobal.net.