Birth date: Mar 31, 1954 Death date: Mar 20, 2026
Daniel Mark Heckman slipped quietly into eternal rest on Friday morning, March 20, 2026, at home with loved ones by his side. Daniel was born on March 31, 1954, the son of Ferman Richard “Dick” Heckman and Phyllis (Moran) Heckman Read Obituary
My deepest sympathy to the family. Doug and Julie, thinking if you. Loved everyone at Heckmans.
RIH
To the Heckman and Fonville Family,
Please accept my deepest and heartfelt sympathy during this time of bereavement. Meeting Dan’s children at Heckman’s Medical Supply brought back so many memories of the long history between our families. The Heckman's and my family, the Seals‑Hayes family, have shared ties that go back generations, along with our connection to the Fonville Family “Southside!!!”
I remember Dan from the days when the Heckman's operated the trash disposal service. (If I may throw a bit of shade, the Heckman's worked, they lifted trash cans & emptied into the garbage truck vs now they ride and mechanical arms lift the trash bins. (LOL)
My mother owned the Kembook grocery store—later renamed it, "Hayes Dairy"—on the corner of Maffit Street and Johns Avenue. My mother acquired license to serve hot foods. When your family stopped by to collect the trash, mother would prepare lunch for the crew. Those moments were simple, but they were filled with genuine friendship and respect.
I’m also reminded of the Pettyjohn's and Ed Marquis' family (Ed's Auto), which some reading the tribute may remember the names. They were close friends as well. I share these memories because our families formed true bonds during a difficult time in this country’s history. As I reflect on my mother, whom God called home a year ago this month, I realize how much our families shielded us from the tensions of the Civil Rights era. Yes, I was birth during that epoch. My family protected our innocence while still building bridges and showing kindness across lines that society tried to draw between us.
As I stated, it's a year this month my mother folded up her tent, now sleeps a long sleep in Paradise, with our Lord. Well, I made up my mind it's time to start moving more personal items, from her home. As I'm preparing to destroy personal documents, and items she kept as memories, one of the first things I found was an old article connected to these memories. It reminded me of who we were, who we are, and the ties that shaped our families.
May Dan’s memory be a blessing, and may the love, history, and shared experiences between our families bring you comfort and peace. Dan is now sleeping a long sleep with our Lord in Paradise. God Bless You All.
May The Lord Bless you and keep you; May The Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious unto you; May The Lord Lift The Light of His Countenance upon you, and grant you His Peace; and May The Lord Bless you when you go out and come in; when you rise up early and settle late, in your labor and in your leisure, in your laughter and in your tears, until that day we shall stand at the Feet of Jesus, where there's no sunrise or sunset, Amen.
Be Encourage - Be Blessed - Immanuel -Much Love
I will always cherish the memories of my cousin Peggy and her wonderful husband Danny. I knew whenever I visited Decatur from Detroit I would always stay with them. Thank God for the beautiful memories that will live forever. . Gwennie Stanton (Fonville)
Always being there when i needed someone to talk too and always lead me down the right path when i had to make decisions and most of all going to my first Doctors appointment with me when my situation presented itself, Thanks for everything Dan you will be truly missed 🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿…Love Sonny
My condolences and prayers 🙏🏽 🙏🏽.May God comfort each of you
