Alvin "Jake" Jacob Heck

Alvin Jacob “Jake” Heck, 77, passed away on August 25, 2026, in Lawrence, Kansas.

Jake was born July 23, 1949, in Ottawa, Kansas, to Charles R. Heck and Fleta I. Heck. He grew up alongside his siblings, Larry C. Heck, Rosemary Bien, and Deloris Mavity, and graduated from Williamsburg High School in 1967.

Following high school, Jake attended Fort Scott Community Junior College, where he played football in 1967 and 1968 and earned a reputation as a tough and feared linebacker. During his college football career, Jake also served as a team captain. Nearly six decades later, former teammates continued to remember him as a leader on the field and a “Legendary Greyhound.”

Jake continued his education and football career at Fort Hays State University, where he played linebacker and also handled punting duties. Fort Hays records show Jake as the Tigers’ leading punter during the 1970 season. He graduated from Fort Hays State University with a business degree.

Jake’s football career was honored many years later when Fort Scott retired his No. 40 jersey. Former teammates, including Jack Mulligan, Steve Bower, and many others, traveled to Healthcare Resort of Olathe to visit Jake, present him with his No. 40 jersey, and personally share the honor with him.

Jake married Paige Ann Morgan in Miami, Oklahoma, in 1974. He adopted Frank Dee Heck and Troy James Heck, was stepfather to Jill Lynn Bowen, and he and Paige later welcomed their daughter, Cara Michelle Heck.

Professionally, Jake built a successful career in the insurance industry. He worked with Farm and Family in Salina, Kansas, an independent agency representing several insurance companies. His success in sales earned him numerous awards and incentive trips, including travel to Italy, Spain, China, and destinations throughout the United States. Jake and Paige later opened Heck Insurance and Financial Services.

Sports remained a lifelong interest for Jake, and he especially enjoyed following the Kansas State Wildcats. He was also an avid golfer and loved boating, spending many years at Perry Lake in Kansas, where he kept a yacht. During those years, Jake developed lasting friendships with his dock neighbors and fellow boaters.

Jake was a Christian who had accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. His family finds comfort in his faith and in the promise of eternal life.

Jake is survived by his sons, Frank Dee Heck and Troy James Heck; daughter, Cara Michelle Heck; step-daughter, Jill Lynn Bowen; his siblings, Larry C. Heck, Rosemary Bien, and Deloris Mavity; 14 grandchildren; and 9 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles R. Heck and Fleta I. Heck.

Jake will be remembered for his accomplishments in athletics and business, his devotion to his family, the friendships he maintained throughout his life, and the many people whose lives he touched.

Dengel & Son Mortuary-Crematory in Ottawa, Kansas, is handling arrangements. Visitation will be held Monday, August 31, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. The funeral service will be held Tuesday, September 1, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., with burial to follow at Mount Hope Cemetery in Williamsburg, Kansas.

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