Phyllis Ann Heckman's Obituary
Phyllis Ann Heckman, 91, of Decatur made a peaceful transition from this life to eternity on Friday morning, November 3, 2023 at Hickory Point Christian Village in Forsyth.
Phyllis was born on June 26, 1932, the daughter of Francis W. “Fanny” Moran and Gertrude (Reid) Moran. She attended St. James Catholic School and graduated from St. Teresa in the class of 1950. After high school, she worked at the Signal Depot. In 1951, she fell in love at first sight when she met Richard (Dick) Heckman. They were married on April 3, 1952, and moved to Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho where Dick was stationed. While there, their first child, Tony, was born. They returned to Decatur and had three more children in rapid succession. In the late 1950s, Phyllis and Dick were among the founding families of Holy Family Catholic Church in Decatur IL. In the 1960s, they relocated due to Dick’s employment, first to Billings MT (where their fifth and final child, Julie, was born) and then to Sheridan WY before returning to Decatur.
After her children were grown, she returned to the workforce at the Macon County Recorder of Deeds Office. In 1981, with Dick recovering from a massive heart attack, they made a leap of faith and started a medical equipment company, Heckman Healthcare, working out of their home. The business rapidly expanded, becoming well-known for the level of care and service provided to those ,for whom they provided. At some point in their lives, all of their children and grandchildren were employed at Heckman Healthcare.
After several years, they turned the business over to the next generation, moved to Fairfield Glade TN and opened a hardware store, Heckman Hardware. As Dick’s health deteriorated they returned to Decatur, but still managed to travel extensively while remaining involved with Heckman Healthcare. After Dick’s death in 2011, she was able to spend more time with the business, and continued to be involved for the rest of her life.
She is survived by her children: Anthony (Adeline) Heckman of Warrensburg, IL; Daniel Heckman of Decatur; John (Linda) Heckman of Harristown; Margaret Heckman of Decatur and Julie (Doug) Page of Decatur; Grandchildren: Eric (Jennifer) Heckman of Decatur; Denise (Andy) Holtzscher of Dixon, MO; Zachary (Kerri) Heckman of Seattle, WA; Naomi Johnson of Riverview FL; Nick (Jessi) Heckman of Kalamazoo, MI; Whitney (Tim) Nicholls of Decatur; Maya Heckman of Decatur; Adam (Melinda) Heckman of Argenta; Benjamin (Taylor) Heckman of Jacksonville Fl; Katie (Ellis) Buth of Harristown; Selena (Avet Vazquez) Heckman of Bushnell FL; Great-grandchildren: Nadia Heckman, Ayana Wright, Makhi Wright, Mitchell Johnson, Jr., Nathan Heckman, Hannah Heckman, Miles Johnson, Madeline Nicholls, and Victor Buth; Great-great granddaughter Zyliah Johnson, step-granddaughter Angie (Chris) Huffstutter of Baldwin City, KS, step-greatgrandchildren: Adrianna Price, Jenyia and JaShawn Allee, Jenasia Lindsay, Jason Kelley, Preston and Mason Rucker, Ariah Heckman, Kyle and Kole Garren, and Seth Shartzer.
She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, sister, Sandra Miller, and daughter-in-law Peggy Fonville-Heckman.
The family would like to acknowledge the compassion and care shown to our Mother by all of the staff of Hickory Point Christian Village including the staff at the 400 Hall, especially the aides who brightened her days and made her transition as peaceful as possible. We would also like to thank Dr. Kola and his staff at Prairie Cardiovascular, and Kristen with HSHS for their care and friendship.
Phyllis wanted us to convey her gratitude to all of the Heckman Healthcare family for the years of dedication. She and Dick never failed to thank them, but they wanted everyone to know one last time that their dedication and friendship mattered more than anything else.
At Phyllis’ request, a Heckman Healthcare Reunion is being planned for next year. Please contact Julie or Margie to verify that the information we have is accurate so we can keep you updated on the plans.
Memorials: National Shrine of St. Jude, 3200 E. 91st St., Chicago IL 60617; Holy Family Church, 2400 S. Franklin St. Rd. 62521.
Visitation: 4:30-7:00 pm Friday, November 10, 2023 at Moran and Goebel Funeral Home, 2801 N. Monroe St., Decatur IL 62526
Funeral Mass: 10:00 am Saturday, November 11 at Holy Family Catholic Church, 2400 S. Franklin, Decatur IL 62521.
Moran & Goebel Funeral Home and Cremation Services is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.moranandgoebel.com.
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