FRANKLIN
Norman Eugene Heckman, 76, passed away surrounded by his loving family on August 1, 2021 at Community South Hospital. He was a resident of Franklin and a former longtime resident of Bargersville.
Norm was born on January 27, 1945 in Clifton Springs, New York to Eugene William Heckman and Helen Caroline (Agard) Heckman. He graduated from Largo High School in Largo, Florida in 1964. He went on to graduate from High Point Technical School in 1966.
While living in Florida, he met his first wife, Karen (Perry) Russo, the mother of his eldest three children, Dean Heckman, Michelle Marshall, and Shawn Heckman. After their separation he moved to New York where he met Diane (Bober) Heckman who blessed him with three daughters, Tammy Colvin (Jeff), Michelle Parke (Bob), and Kimberly Smith. Diane was diagnosed with terminal cancer in 1984 and he dedicated much of his time to caring for her in her final years. Diane preceded him in passing in 1985. On August 26, 1987 he married Shirley (Lohman) Heckman, mother of Brian Riddle (Deana) and Joanie Arcand (Brian). They spent 34 wonderful years together. Norm and Shirley built a life together full of love that spread through their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Shirley devoted her life to care for Norm.
Other survivors include his siblings, Sandra Roberts (Eddie), Glenn Heckman (Ruthie), and Darlene Johnson (Charlie); grandchildren, Cortez, Ni’chelle, Ashley, Nicole, Sabrina, Bianca, Shawn, Sarah, Michelle, Jaylynn, Jessica, Julie, Robert, Randy, Tabitha, Tyler, Jacob, Brandon, Tyler, Allyson, Shelby, Bailey, Carly, Ethan, Emma, and Mattie; 31 great-grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren on the way; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in passing by his wife, Diane (Bober) Heckman in 1985; former wife, Karen (Perry) Russo in 2018; and his parents, Eugene and Helen Heckman.
Norm worked as a Tool and Die maker for 40+ years. He was a partial owner of Cad. Machine and worked as a foreman at Dressler Manufacturing for many years. He was a member of Midwest Tool Collectors as well as Central Indiana Wood Workers Association. Norm had a passion for woodworking and continued to produce intricate wood projects throughout his retirement. He donated hundreds of handcrafted wooden toys to the Wood Club for underprivileged children. Later in life, one of Norm’s greatest joys was cruising the grocery stores.
Norm served on the planning commission board in Bargersville. He was a member of the Christian Chapel Church.
Norm’s love for his family was endless. He was never afraid to stop by or pick up the phone to check in on his loved ones and continued to stay involved even through his health ailments. Norm never failed to show the pride he felt for his loved ones. He will be missed tremendously.
A celebration of life service will be held on Thursday, August 5, 2021 at 11:00a.m. at Flinn and Maguire Funeral Home, 2898 N. Morton Street (U.S. 31) Franklin, Indiana 46131. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 4, 2021 from 3:00p.m. until 7:00p.m. at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the National Kidney Foundation at 30 East 33rd Street New York, New York 10016 or online at https://www.kidney.org/donation
Online tributes and other expressions of kindness are appreciated at www.flinnmaguire.net.
