William Eugene Heckler

William “Bill” Eugene Heckler, 79, passed away peacefully at his home on July 13, 2026, with his loving wife by his side.

Bill was born on April 3, 1947, in Newport News, Virginia, to Leslie “Bud” Heckler and Regina “Jean” Heckler. At the age of eight, his family relocated to North Texas, where he was raised in the HEB area. He graduated from L.D. Bell High School in 1967 and later earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Industrial Arts from the University of North Texas.

While playing drums in the high school marching band, Bill met the love of his life, Carolyn Jean Tharp, a member of the drill team. Their high school romance grew into a lifelong partnership, and they were married in 1968, sharing 58 wonderful years of marriage built on faith, love, and unwavering devotion.

Music was one of Bill’s lifelong passions. During high school, he was also the original guitarist and backup vocalist for the popular local band, The Jades. His love of music remained a constant source of joy throughout his life.

Bill proudly served his country for seven years in the United States Air Force Reserve, with assignments at Sheppard Air Force Base in Wichita Falls and Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio.

Dedicated to serving others throughout his life, Bill earned the rank of Eagle Scout and remained active in several civic and charitable organizations, including the Scottish Rite Masons, the Lions Club, and the Kiwanis Club.

After graduating from college, Bill began his career with JCPenney as a store manager, a role that took his young family throughout Central Texas and eventually to Houston. Wanting to pursue his passion for building, he later started his own construction company, specializing in residential homes.

When the housing market changed, the family relocated to Mansfield, where Bill accepted a position teaching Building Trades to high school students. Less than two years later, a close friend offered him a store management opportunity with Bealls, which led the family to Louisiana. Over the next several years, they lived throughout southern Louisiana before eventually settling in Houma.

When another company transfer was on the horizon, Bill and Carolyn decided it was time to put down permanent roots. With a little help from his father-in-law, Bill secured a position with General Dynamics—later Lockheed Martin—which brought the family back to the HEB area. There, he built a successful 35-year career as a mechanical engineer before retiring.

Bill’s faith in Jesus Christ was the cornerstone of his life. He was a devoted member and deacon of Birdville Baptist Church in Haltom City for many years. His desire to share the Gospel led him to become an ordained minister, a chaplain, and a founding member of Outdoor Life Ministry, an organization dedicated to reaching outdoorsmen and others whose schedules or lifestyles often prevent them from attending traditional Sunday worship services.

Bill was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, mentor, and friend. In addition to his steadfast faith, he was known for his love of hunting, gardening, raising cattle, woodworking, and his willingness to help anyone in need.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Leslie “Bud” Heckler and Regina “Jean” Heckler; and his brothers, Robert Heckler and Hubert Hanke.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Carolyn Jean Heckler; his sons, Kenneth Heckler and wife Alice, Kevin Heckler, and Chris Heckler and wife Janell; his grandchildren, Kacie Sawyer Jones and husband Shane, Colton and Corbin Heckler; his brother, Larry Heckler and wife Christie; his nieces, Lauren Layton and husband Brandon, and Miranda Heckler; his brother-in-law, William Tharp and wife Charlotte; and many extended family members and dear friends who will miss him deeply.

A funeral service celebrating Bill’s life will be held on Monday, July 20, 2026, at Bluebonnet Hills Funeral Home in Colleyville, Texas. Visitation will begin at 12:30 p.m., followed by the funeral service at 1:30 p.m. A brief graveside service will immediately follow.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the many friends, caregivers, and medical professionals who cared for Bill throughout his life. His unwavering faith, enduring love for his family, and a servant’s heart will be remembered always.