Richard Merle Heckman, age 80, left to be with his Lord on September 21, 2016 and passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family at the Toledo Hospital. He was born on March 13, 1936 in Tontogany, Ohio to Edward and Helen (Long) Heckman. Dick married his high school sweetheart, Karol Dewyre, on February 25, 1956 in Pemberville and she survives. He was a member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Pemberville where he had served as Elder and a member of the Parish Educations Committee.
Through the 60’s he owned and operated the Texaco gas station in Pemberville. He graduated from Bowling Green State University in 1970 and began his teaching career and taught English and Journalism at Eastwood High School for 25 years retiring in 1995. In addition to teaching he served as Athletic Director, was advisor to the school newspaper and coached baseball. He was a lifelong educator and enjoyed both learning and teaching. You could always find him with a book and a journal jotting down his thoughts and perspectives. Throughout his life, Richard loved Lake Erie and The Marblehead Lighthouse area. He enjoyed day trips with his wife and dinners with his family. He loved his Lord, his wife and his family.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his sons: Thomas (Jeny) Heckman, James Heckman and daughter: Sandra (Scott) Jess all of Pemberville, grandchildren: Dennis (Carrie) Heckman, Chris (Lauren) Lorenzen, Carrie (Andrew) Derr, Thomas and Jack Heckman, Stephen (Desiree) Byrne, Jenifer (David) St. Louis, Douglas Byrne, Shannon (Angel) Martinez, great-grandchildren: Lucille, Joshua, Emma, Oliver, Ruby, Isabella and Gabriella, brother: Robert (Dollie) Heckman of Luckey, sister-in-law: Karen (Dale) Fahle and brother-in-law Jim (Marilyn) Dewyre both of Pemberville. He was preceded in death by his parents, granddaughter: Sarah Lorenzen and twin great grandsons: David and Leo St. Louis.
Family and friends will be received on Sunday, September 25, 2016 from 2- 4 & 6–8 PM at the Marsh Funeral Home, 4094 State Route 105, Pemberville, OH. Funeral services will be conducted on Monday, September 26, 2016 at 11 AM at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Pemberville, OH with additional visitation from 10 AM until time of services. Officiating will be Rev. Matthew Musteric. Interment will be in Pemberville Cemetery, Pemberville. A bereavement luncheon will be served at the church immediately following the cemetery committal services. Memorial contributions may be given to: Bethlehem Lutheran Church.
