Earl Eugene Heckman

Earl Eugene Heckman passed away Friday, October 30, 2026 at the age of 87.

Earl was born February 6, 1939, in Logan, Iowa, the son of Frank Fillmore Heckman and Thelma June Bradley Heckman. Following the loss of his mother at a young age, Juaneta Heckman became his stepmother. His family later moved to Kansas, where he attended Princeton High School.

Earl spent much of his life in the Princeton area before moving to Ottawa in 1964. He remained in Ottawa until 2025, when he moved to Wellsville.

He proudly served his country in the United States Army while stationed in California and later continued his service with the Army Reserves. After returning to Kansas, Earl worked for Ottawa Tire before becoming self-employed in the trucking industry. Throughout his career, he operated Couch and Heckman Trucking, Heckman and Mace Trucking, and later Heckman Trucking.

On August 14, 1964, Earl was united in marriage to Doris Darlene Heckman in Pomona, Kansas. Their marriage was marked by love and devotion. Doris preceded him in death on October 24, 2026. Together, they cherished time spent with family and friends, gardening, attending country music shows, and traveling in their camper to favorite destinations including Branson, Missouri, and Port Aransas, Texas.

Earl was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was affectionately known as Papa by the family. He worked tirelessly to build a successful trucking business and took pride in providing for his family. He enjoyed fishing, restoring and collecting old engines and tractors, attending tractor shows and auctions, and visiting over coffee with friends and neighbors. He never met a stranger and enjoyed sharing stories with whoever happened to be around.

He is survived by his daughters, Teresa Elliston (John), and Lisha Heckman (John Kunkel); grandsons, Lukas Hobbs (Karrie), and Lathen Hobbs (Tyla Brown); great-grandchildren, Brylie Hobbs, Waylon Hobbs, and Isabella Hobbs; brother, Dale Heckman (Debby); and sisters, Twyla Riddle (Leon), and Lois Stumbaugh.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Doris Heckman by only six days; his parents; brother, Floyd Heckman; and brother, Darrell Bradley.

Memorial contributions may be made to Wellsville Health and Rehabilitation, 304 W. 7th Street, Wellsville, Kansas 66092.

A Graveside Service for both Earl and Doris will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, November 5, 2026, at Highland Cemetery, 1050 East 15th Street, Ottawa, Kansas 66067.