John R. Heckman

WEST FRANKFORT – John Richard Heckman, 78, of West Frankfort, formerly of northern Illinois, died at 5:20 p.m. Friday, Dec. 20, 2013, at Carbondale Memorial Hospital.

He was born Feb. 19, 1935, in Polo, to Paul and Frances (Schmiedebush) Heckman. John was an avid Chicago Cubs fan and loved his family dearly. He also had a “zest” for life, and quite a passion for dancing.

He is survived by his four daughters, Rhonda (Steve) Byers and Sarah Heckman, both of Freeport, Donna Leonard of Golconda, and Linda (Jerry) Hose of Polo; seven grandchildren, Christina (Scott Douglas) Brinkmeier, Ryan (Catherine) Byers, Paul (Tatiana) Terrock, Callie (Chris) Lhost, Liz (Mike) Rummel, Kala (Travis) Bonnell, and Jerry Hose II; 12 great-grandchildren, Nathaniel, Jasmynne, Sydney, Milana, Camilla, Dylan, Kylie, Sage, Lauren, McKenna, Natalie, and Andrew; two sisters, Bertha Mae (Earl) Jacobs of Harmon and Carol (Jim) Rogers of Cadiz, Ky.; and stepdaughters, Toni and Linda and their families.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Pauline Eddy; and his wife, Judith Wagner Heckman.

A celebration of life will be from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 11, at St. Mark Lutheran Church in Polo. Crain Funeral Home Egyptian Chapel at Energy is handling arrangements.

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