Jay Alvin Heckler

Jay Alvin Heckler, age 80, of Snow Lake, Fremont, Indiana, passed away on Tuesday, October 9, 2018, at his home, surrounded by family, windows opened, the sound of boats, just after sun set on an unusually warm and perfect October evening. His ideal day.

Jay was born on July 5, 1938 in Hoagland, Indiana, to Dale and Mildred (Bearman) Heckler.

He married Connie Lou (Hohenberger) on February 20, 1965, in Napoleon, Ohio.

Jay retired in 2004. He was employed for 27 years at Harvester and 17 years at Dana. After high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves and later became a member of the Fremont Moose (Lodge #2387), Fremont American Legion Cassel Post 257, and was a supporter of Acres Land Trust, and the NRA. His hobbies included hiking, boating, fishing, refurbishing tractors and boats, and traveling.

He loved skiing in Aspen and his family enjoyed the many ski trips to Northern Michigan. He also enjoyed his "guy only" hunting trips to Wyoming and endless hours of snowmobiling.

Jay loved spending time with his family and friends, keeping busy, and always finding another "project" around the house. He was a man of few words but was a never ending jokester. He had no problem with making a bottle or changing a diaper. He sacrificed everything for his family and loved nothing more than spending time with his granddaughters.

Survivors include his wife, Connie Heckler of Snow Lake, Fremont, Indiana, three children, Josie (nate) Klink of Fort Wayne, Indiana, Amber Heckler, and Chris (Courtney) Heckler, both of Denver, Colorado, three granddaughters, Madison Heckler, Charli Klink, Kirra Heckler, sisters, Kay Scheumann of Hoagland, Indiana, and Jane (Mike) LaVine of Fort Wayne, Indiana a brother, Duane Heckler of Springfield, Ohio. and a brother-in-law, Chuck Driver of Hoagland, Indiana and many nieces and nephews and three granddogs.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Fay Driver, and two nephews, Chad Heckler and Brent LaVine

Funeral Services will be held at 1 pm Saturday, October 13, 2018 at Beams Funeral Home, Fremont, Indiana, with Pastor Tim Miller officiating, Calling hours will be held from 10 am until 1 pm Saturday, prior to the services at the funeral home.

Burial will follow the services at Jamestown Cemetery, Fremont, Indiana. Military Honors will be conducted at the cemetery by members of the Fremont American Legion Cassel Post 257 color guard, and the Marine Corps military honors team.

Memorial donations in his memory are requested to the Fremont American Legion Cassel Post 257, or Riley's Children's Hospital, 705 Riley Hospital Drive, Indianapolis, Indiana 46202.