Submitted by: Dan Rich

Laird H. Heckaman

Feb. 9, 1929 - Nov. 16, 2001

South Bend Tribune 11/18/2001

Laird H. "Larry" Heckaman, 72, of Anderson, passed away Friday morning, November 16, in St. John's Medical Center after a brief illness. Larry was a loving father and husband, and a gentle man who will be greatly missed by all whose lived he touched. He was born February 9, 1929, in South Bend and resided in the Michiana area for 35 years. He graduated from Washington Clay High School, Saint Joseph County, in 1947, where he had been a member of the baseball and varsity basketball teams. He maintained his love for all sports throughout his lifetime. He especially enjoyed fishing.

After serving two years in the United States Army, he returned to the former Studebaker Corporation to complete his apprenticeship in wood model making. He was awarded his journeyman's card in 1957. He moved his family from Niles, Michigan to Anderson in 1964 when he accepted employment with the General Motors Corporation as a model maker. He retired from Guide Lamp in 1993 after 29 years of service.

On August 26, 1950, at Christ the King Church in South Bend, he married Mary Joan Megan. Jo passed away February 18, 1998. He was also preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Anna (Voelkel) Heckaman; a sister, Margaret Bryant, and a brother, R. James Heckaman. He married Jacqueline Marnocha on October 10, 1999, at Christ the Savior Church, Fishers, Ind., where he was a member. She survives along with a daughter, Marureen A. Liston of Cicero, Ill., with her husband, Jerry and daughters, Emilee and Brenna. Larry is also survived by a son, Marc S. Heckaman of Pendleton, Ind.

Cremation has taken place with entombment to be in the mausoleum at Anderson Memorial Park Cemetery. Pastor Joseph Freeman will conduct a memorial service at 11 a.m. Tuesday, November 20, in the Willson-St. Pierre Bright Chapel, 211 E. State St., Pendleton. Memorial contributions may be made in Larry's Name to Christ the Savior Church in Fishers, or to a church of the donor's choice.