Melvin Heckler

1937 - 2022

Melvin Heckler
Melvin Lee Heckler, 84, passed away in Ellensburg, WA on June 23, 2022.
This "blue baby" was born to Herman and Caroline Heckler in Tokio, Texas on 11/28/37 without a name on his birth certificate. Despite the odds, this survivor earned his name. This was the first of many brushes with death, earning him the title, "Comeback King," from his daughter and family.
Mel grew up in remote, rural West Texas with his two older brothers and single-parent father. Milking cows, caring for horses and chickens before school and picking cotton after school was a necessity for survival at their humble dwelling with no running water, electricity, or toilets.
Saturdays were fun days for Melvin and his brothers Ernie and Leon. They looked forward to riding to town on horse and wagon. While their dad traded goods, they enjoyed spending their 25-cent allowance on a movie and Coke with peanuts in it, or a Coke and a comic book. He learned from a young age to appreciate and enjoy simple pleasures.
Mel joined the military at age 17 and served in nine locations around the world. It was his station in Everett, WA, that elicited his love for the PNW and ignited his passion for travel.
He was extremely adventurous and wanted to see "everything" he could in the world. For example, in his early 20s he saved to buy a bus ticket for $100 for one month of unlimited rides throughout the United States. He spent the entire month sightseeing and exploring much of the US with $5 in his pocket. Throughout his life, he went on to travel to five continents and 18 countries and made numerous road trips within the United States and Canada.
In 1967, he earned his Associate of Applied Science and Water Technician Certificate while working part time to support his wife, Linda and her two daughters, Shari, and Donna. In 1969, the family moved to Bend, Oregon, where his daughter, CJ was born. They later moved to Wenatchee, WA, where Melvin worked as the Wastewater Treatment Plant Supervisor until he retired in 1996.
He loved cars and he loved to drive. He took the backroads across the USA as much as possible because he wanted to "see it all." His first of many cars was a 1941 Plymouth. He drove that purple Plymouth from Everett, WA, to Winters, TX, on bald tires, weak brakes, and a broken door, loving every minute of the gripping adventure so he could visit family.
Mel loved his family more than anything and expressed his love, pride, and appreciation for them endlessly.
Melvin was predeceased by his parents, Herman and Caroline, brothers Clarence, Leon and Earnst and adopted daughters Shari and Donna. He is survived by his daughter, CJ Stevenson, son-in-law, Jason Stevenson and grandsons, Tait, and Cade Stevenson.
Melvin was adored, respected, and loved by all who knew him. He had a huge heart, sensitive soul, great sense of humor and a fighting spirit. Services will be held at a later date. He will be sorely missed. Online condolences may be left at www.brooksidefuneral.com.
Brookside Funeral Home is caring for the family.