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Donald Ray Hecker
Clovis - DONALD RAY HECKER
With his family by his side, Donald "Don" Ray Hecker was called home to be with our Heavenly Father on September 21st, 2018 at the age of 77. Don was born on November 19th, 1940 in Eureka, California, and the 16th child of 17 to Edward and Edith (Jackson) Hecker. Don spent his childhood in Plumas County, California and graduated from Quincy High school in 1959 before enlisting in the Navy 2 years later on August 30th, 1961. During his 22 year naval career he completed 9 campaigns in Vietnam receiving 4 bronze and 1 silver stars before retiring as a Chief Petty Officer on April 30th 1983. While he was stationed in Alameda, California he met his future wife Judith "Judy" Diane Burnett (Earp) and married her on November 3rd, 1984. The family moved to Washington State for 4 years before moving back to California and finally settling in Tulare County, California where Don continued his naval career as a civil servant at Naval Air Station Lemoore California until medically retiring as an Air Conditioning/Heating technician in 1995. Due to Don's health he and Judy moved to Clovis California to be closer to the Central California Healthcare Veterans Hospital in 2014. Don was a Karuk tribal member and was extremely proud of his Native American heritage. He enjoyed the outdoors fishing and hunting until his health prevented him from doing so. He always looked forward to the Hecker Family Reunions reminiscing about his childhood adventures living in the Feather River Canyon. Don loved his family, watching his favorite football team the 49ers and especially Christmas. He and Judy would make sure every room in the house would be decorated with multiple Christmas trees along with the outside lights for all to enjoy and baking Christmas goodies to pass out to neighbors and friends. Don is survived by his loving wife and caretaker, Judy, of 33 years, his son's Troy (Veronica) Hecker of Clovis and Randy (Jenifer) Burnett of Hanford, daughter's Paulla (Carlos) Hernandez of Tulare and Tracie (Marc) Tourgee of Texas, son in law Tom Botta of Indiana; his youngest brother Floyd (Sandy) Hecker of Eureka, two sister's Ruth Hammer, and Barbara (Art) Pearson of Williams; 14 grandchildren Tiffany, Brittany, Tristin, Troy Jr., William, Adam, Shelby, Kaycee, Shane, Kaitlin, Zackary, MacKenzie, Madison and Kaydee, 3 great grandchildren Aubree, Jaiden and Blaine; Mother-In-Law Leola Earp of Tulare, brother in laws Jack and Mike Earp of Tulare, sister in law Carolyn (Mike) Lincicum of Tulare and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Don was preceded in death by his parents Edward and Edith Hecker, father in law Ira Earp, daughter Lucynda Botta and numerous brothers and sisters. Visitation will be Thursday, September 27 from 9:00 am to 10:00 am. At Peers-Lorentzen Chapel. A Chapel Service will start at 10:00 am. At Peers-Lorentzen Chapel. Graveside Service will be Friday September 28, 2018 at 12:30 pm at San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery in Santa Nella ,Ca. Services are in the care of Peers-Lorentzen Funeral Service
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6 Entries
Don, My dear friend I'm not going to tell you how much I'll miss you cauce then I'd have to say good by.I just want to tell you how much I love and appreciate you and your loyal friendship. You loved me in spite of myself. You always told me you figured God wanted us to be friends cause we both were to onery for anyone else to like. You were probably right. Thanks for the wonderful friendship and memories. Save me a front row seat. Sandy
Sandy Skubik
Friend
September 26, 2018
I remember the first time I met you at the apartments. You were so friendly, introduced yourself and from that day forward we became friends. You always had a smile, loved to talk about the military and had great stories to tell. I loved that you cared so much about your friends and family. You loved life and embraced every minute of it. If some was having a hard time, you were right there to help. We love you Don and will miss you so much, Thanks for the Memories my dear friend
Sandy Skubik
Friend
September 26, 2018
May you find comfort by reading. 1 Peter 5:6,7 For God know what we are going through and can help us. My deepest condolences to the family.
September 26, 2018
You will truly be missed but knowing you had a relationship with God, we take comfort knowing you are free of pain and in His Loving Arms. We will never forget the kindness and determination you had getting Gary the health care he needed through th VA ~ you wouldn't take NO for an answer and stayed with Gary~God be with your family and friends durning these hard times
Gary and Sue Swayne
September 25, 2018
I take comfort knowing you are no longer in pain and living your beautiful afterlife with all our loved ones. I know you look down upon us and watch over and guide us all in following our hearts. Love ya and see you again when my time comes to walk with you again.
Jenifer Burnett
September 25, 2018
I am going to miss Don. He always had a smile. I know he is now dancing in heaven and is able to breath...i can hear his laugh. I will miss you my friend. Judy, you know I love you also and I'm here for you...RIP DON.Linda Horwood
Linda Horwood
September 25, 2018
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Sep
27
9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Peers-Lorentzen Funeral Service - Tulare132 West Kern Avenue, Tulare, CA 93274
Sep
27
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Peers-Lorentzen Funeral Service - Tulare132 West Kern Avenue, Tulare, CA 93274
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