Edward H. Hecht

Edward Henriquez Hecht went home to Heaven to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, November 10, 2012. He was born in Great Neck, New York, on February 19, 1923, the son of Anita Henriquez and Alfred S. Hecht.

Ed served three years during World War II (1943-46), in the Army Air Force at the Redistribution Station Miami, FL and then in the U.S. Strategic and Tactical Air Forces (USSTAF) in Europe. He returned to the University of North Carolina graduating in 1948 with a BS in Commerce. He entered the insurance profession as an Underwriter in 1948 for Liberty Mutual Insurance Co. at the home office in Boston, MA, transferring to Dallas, TX in 1949, where he served as Divisional Personal Risks Underwriting Manager and other duties in Corsicana and Dallas, until retirement in 1985. He also served as chairman of the Louisiana Automobile Insurance Plan, plus other responsibilities in seven southwestern states. He earned the Charter Property and Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) designation in 1969.

Upon retirement in 1985, Ed joined the staff of the People to People Ministries as volunteer Director of Counseling, Ministry Correspondent, and member of the Board of Directors. He estimated that he had biblically counseled over 60,000 people. Retiring from the office staff in 2007, he continued to volunteer for the ministry by serving on the Board, answering prisoner mail, and counseling from home.

On August 27, 1949, he married Janie Mary Cash and they moved to Dallas and joined First Baptist Church Dallas at which time Dr. W.A. Criswell led Ed, of Jewish descent, to the Lord. He served as the Fourth Grade Sunday School Superintendent for 30 years; taught Singles and Older Adults; taught Evangelism and Discipleship classes; was involved in several local and foreign mission trips; was responsible for television counseling for 15 years; served as a Decision Counselor for FBD and Billy Graham Crusades, and served as a Deacon since 1961. Ed memorized the book of Ephesians, portions of the Psalms, John, Romans, and over 1,800 verses. He was a faithful prayer warrior.

On June 22, 2007, he married Bobbie Sue Cunningham. Ed is survived by his loving wife, Bobbie; daughters, Cathy (Larry) Criner and Nancy (Mark) Hood; step-daughters, Angela (Shawn) Wright and Jennifer (Jeremy) Laura; grandsons, James (Kim) Criner, Michael (Abigail) Criner, Noah, Evan, and Ryan Wright; granddaughters, Rebekah (Joshua) Coffman and Bethany Hood; plus six great-grandchildren, several sister-in-laws, brother-in-laws, nieces and nephews, each of whom brought special joy to his life, as did many other dear relatives, cherished friends, and “adopted” daughters, sons, and grandchildren.

Ed was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Janie; son, James Alfred; and sister, Phyllis Gammon.

Ed’s desire was that all should know the mercy and grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. He witnessed to everyone God placed in his path. The love of God flowed through Ed to others. He encouraged everyone to: “Keep your eyes on Jesus” (Hebrews 12:2).

A Memorial Service will be held on Wed., Nov. 28, 2012, at 2:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary of the First Baptist Church, 1707 San Jacinto, Dallas, TX, with Dr. Robert Jeffress officiating.