John Clark Heck

Monday June 12 @ 11:30 a.m. at Moore Funeral Home in Arlington. A Committal Service will follow at

2 p.m. at Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery.

John was born in Reading, Pennsylvania on July 24, 1933, to Francis and Margaret Heck. Following high school, he enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1951, at the age of 18, and was stationed in Japan and Fort Worth during the Korean War. Throughout his service, he attained the rank of Staff Sergeant and was decorated with three medals.

John met Ruth Lantrip while stationed at Carswell Air Force base and, after a short courtship, they married on January 29, 1955, in Lockney, Texas. Together they raised three boys, Frank, Steve and Jimmy. John graduated from Texas Christian University in 1959 and earned his Master of Social Welfare at Louisiana State University in 1964. Throughout his career, he sought to improve life for delinquent youth as a counselor for the Tarrant County Juvenile Probation Department. He continued his efforts by providing education and job skills to people with disabilities as Area Manager of the Texas Rehabilitation Commission for 33 years. In retirement, he enjoyed helping with yardwork with his son’s landscaping business.

In his free time, John enjoyed taking care of his dogs and cats, fishing and hunting, birdwatching, and vacationing with his family.

John was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 58 years, Ruth; his son, Jimmy Heck; and siblings Gene Heck, Nancy O’Neil and Peg Bomberger.

John was a loving father, grandfather, brother and friend who will be deeply missed. He leaves to cherish his memory, sons, Frank Heck (Linda) and Steve Heck (Debbie); grandchildren, Liz Confiliano (Jim), Mark Heck, Valerie Heck (Chris Garcia), Taryn Heck (Mike Cook) and James Heck; great-grandchildren, JJ and Emma Confiliano, Chris Garcia, and Max and Zoe Cook; and numerous other family and friends.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.moore-funeralhome.com for the Heck family.