Walter Lynn Heck

Walter Lynn Heck, age 76 of Pataskala, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on Saturday, December 30th, 2017. Walter was born on March 9th, 1941 in Uhrichsville, OH, and was preceded in death by father, Walter Oland Heck; mother, Wanda (Lynn) Heck; and brother, Ronald Heck. He is survived by wife, Dixie (Hayes) Heck; son, Justin Heck; daughter, Sarah Heck; and grandsons, Andrew and Zachary Cravener. Walter graduated from Uhrichsville High School in 1959. He received a Bachelor of Science Degree from Olivet Nazarene College in 1963. He attained a Master of Music Degree from Miami University of Ohio in 1976. Walter was a vocal music teacher for 34 years. His first high school position was at Newcomerstown High School in Newcomerstown, OH (1963-68). During the 5 years he served as director at Newcomerstown the enrollment in the choir rose from 1 member to 110. He also taught at Lebanon High School in Lebanon, OH (1968-69), and Dover High School in Dover, OH (1969-81). He served as Professor of Music for Trevecca Nazarene College in Nashville, TN (1983-87). He then taught music for Columbus City Schools at Independence High School and various elementary schools until his retirement in 1998. In addition, he served as a choir director for various churches including First United Presbyterian Church in New Philadelphia, OH, St. John’s United Church of Christ and First United Methodist Church in Dover, OH, College Hill Church of the Nazarene in Nashville, TN, and First Presbyterian Church in Newark, OH. Most recently he performed with the Muskingum University Choral Society and was a member of the Bexley United Methodist Church Choir. Walter was a former member of the Columbus Symphony Chorus and has done extensive work as a vocal soloist. Other highlights of Walter’s career include being selected as one of the directors for the Columbus Public School Choral Festival at St. John’s Arena in Columbus, OH (1989), and was presented with the Mayor’s Key to the City in Dover, OH. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 13, 2018, at Bexley United Methodist Church, 2657 E. Broad St. Bexley, OH 43209. A reception to visit the family will follow the service in the Maloney Center at the church. Contributions in Walter’s memory may be made to Bexley United Methodist Church music fund.