Robert James Heckman

Robert “Bob” Heckman, 88, passed away after a short illness on Saturday, Dec 12th in his home surrounded by his loving family. A celebration of his life will be held Friday, Dec 18th at 2:00 pm at St. Francis Episcopal Church in Temple, TX. He will be interned with military honors in a family service at the Central Texas State Military Cemetery in Killeen, Texas at noon on Dec 18th.

Bob was born on March 26, 1927 to Charles and Florence Heckman in Corry, Pennsylvania. He was a member of St Francis Episcopal Church in Temple, TX. He married Adelaide Clements Paulk on January 31st, 2004.

Bob Heckman attempted to enlist in the Navy at the age of 17 in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. He discovered he had to be 17 ½. He proceeded down the street to inquire about service in the Merchant Marines. They were delighted to receive him. He served on merchant ships often traveling in the North Atlantic during World War II. He was on duty in the North Sea on deck traveling in a ship convoy when his ship carrying munitions was bombed. All of the seaman that were not on deck were lost. With the force of impact he was pitched out to sea. A Canadian frigate in the convoy rescued him from the water. He was one of only three survivors.

He joined the Navy for the Korean War and remained in the service for 27 years. He began as a recruit and retired as a Commander. During his service years he was an exchange officer stationed in Naro, Australia for three years. His last duty station was at Nellis Air Force Base in Las Vegas, Nevada. He was working on a joint task force called Aceval Aimval at Nellis Air Force Base. Congress had ordered the Navy and the Air Force to conduct joint development and testing of a missal to be utilized by both.

After retiring from the Navy he began a new career working in Las Vegas for Convention Services. He spent time traveling to large cities helping manage the setup and displays for a variety of companies.

He moved to Temple, Texas in 2003 to marry Adelaide. He was a devoted husband, stepfather, step grandfather, and brother. He was active in supporting the local Temple Civic Theater and Temple College Musical programs. He enjoyed 11 years of life together in marriage among family and their many friends in the Temple area. He was dearly loved.

He is survived by his wife, Adelaide, stepchildren Melanie Garcia, William Lusk, Byron and Rosemary Baird, John Christensen, and son Daniel Heckman; step grandchildren Nicholas Rivera, Addie Baird, Tim and Audrey Davis, and Victoria Christensen, sister Martha Webber and brother Jerald Heckman. He is preceded in death by stepson Roth G. Criswell.

Memorials may be given to St. Francis Episcopal Church, American Cancer Society, or Temple City Animal Shelter 620 South 31st, Temple, TX 76504.

Guests may express condolences with the Heckman family by visiting www.crawfordbowers.org