In Memory of
Eugene R "Gene"
Heckard
Heckard
1921 - 2018
Memorial Candle Tribute From
Holt Family Funeral Home
"We are honored to provide this Book of Memories to the family."
View full message >>>
Obituary for Eugene R "Gene" Heckard
Eugene (Gene) Heckard was born November 16, 1921 in Fowler Colorado, to Goldie Mahayla and Ira S. Heckard. He was the oldest of 3 boys: Gene, Russel, and Gerald.
He started working hard at an early age helping to run the family farm. He attended school in a one room school house through the 8th grade, and then later received his GED and several food service certificates. He started cooking in the conservation camps, then cooked in World War II. He even cooked Thanksgiving dinner complete with turkey, dressing and pies on the troop train and also out on the field range.
He returned to Fowler where he met Barbara Abbott. They were married on June 1st, 1947. They celebrated their 70th Wedding Anniversary last year. They farmed in the Fowler area, later he worked for the Army Depot and CF&I in Pueblo. In 1953 they moved to a ranch in the Tallahassee area, then he ended up "serving his time" working and retiring from the Colorado State Penitentiary, primarily in food service.
Gene and Barbara moved to Canon City when he went to work at the prison. They purchased their first home and lived there for 60 years. He was a member of all branches of the Odd Fellows for over 36 years. Gene and Barbara square danced with the Royal Gorge Promenaders for a number of years.
They were blessed with three children, Larry(April) Heckard, Don Heckard and Sharon(Ken) Leonard; six grandchildren, Michelle Carstens, Melissa(Matt) Waggener, Timothy Heckard, William(Brandy) Heckard, April(Howard) Houghton; eight great –grandchildren, Mahayla Waggener, Aiden Heckard, Kyler Heckard, Lexi Reed, Chris(Vickie) Houghton, Howard Houghton, Riley Houghton, Curtis Houghton; and three great-great-grandchildren, Nickie, Christian and Alex.
Gene was preceded in death by both parents; brothers; sons, Larry and Don Heckard; son-n-law (David Carstens), one grandson (Timothy Heckard) and great-grandson(Curtis Houghton). He was a member of the Evangical Free Church in Canon City, and enjoyed attending Cowboy Church. Gene was an avid hunter and fisherman. He was proud of his work helping to start the Odd Fellows Campground.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Holt Funeral Home
He started working hard at an early age helping to run the family farm. He attended school in a one room school house through the 8th grade, and then later received his GED and several food service certificates. He started cooking in the conservation camps, then cooked in World War II. He even cooked Thanksgiving dinner complete with turkey, dressing and pies on the troop train and also out on the field range.
He returned to Fowler where he met Barbara Abbott. They were married on June 1st, 1947. They celebrated their 70th Wedding Anniversary last year. They farmed in the Fowler area, later he worked for the Army Depot and CF&I in Pueblo. In 1953 they moved to a ranch in the Tallahassee area, then he ended up "serving his time" working and retiring from the Colorado State Penitentiary, primarily in food service.
Gene and Barbara moved to Canon City when he went to work at the prison. They purchased their first home and lived there for 60 years. He was a member of all branches of the Odd Fellows for over 36 years. Gene and Barbara square danced with the Royal Gorge Promenaders for a number of years.
They were blessed with three children, Larry(April) Heckard, Don Heckard and Sharon(Ken) Leonard; six grandchildren, Michelle Carstens, Melissa(Matt) Waggener, Timothy Heckard, William(Brandy) Heckard, April(Howard) Houghton; eight great –grandchildren, Mahayla Waggener, Aiden Heckard, Kyler Heckard, Lexi Reed, Chris(Vickie) Houghton, Howard Houghton, Riley Houghton, Curtis Houghton; and three great-great-grandchildren, Nickie, Christian and Alex.
Gene was preceded in death by both parents; brothers; sons, Larry and Don Heckard; son-n-law (David Carstens), one grandson (Timothy Heckard) and great-grandson(Curtis Houghton). He was a member of the Evangical Free Church in Canon City, and enjoyed attending Cowboy Church. Gene was an avid hunter and fisherman. He was proud of his work helping to start the Odd Fellows Campground.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Holt Funeral Home
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Eugene R "Gene" Heckard, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.
Order Flowers