John Raymond Hecker

John Raymond Hecker, always known as Jack, passed away on December 3, 2020 at Passages Hospice, New Orleans after a short illness. A lifelong resident of the West Bank, he was born to the late Jacob Hecker and Edmonia Byrne Hecker. He was preceded in death by his four brothers Jacob (Jake), David, Lawrence (Larry), and Donald (Don), his beloved wife of 47 years Elynordel Eldridge Hecker (Cookie), son Joel Jude Hecker, and his longtime companion Francis East with whom he spent the last 20 years. He is survived by son John Jude Hecker and son Paul Jude Hecker with wife Rebecca Hostetler Hecker, grandson John Paul Hecker (Jack), granddaughter Elizabeth Ann Hecker (Ellie) and many nieces and nephews. Jack was an outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing and a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus. He was a graduate of Holy Cross High School where he was a two-time undefeated state wrestling champion. He attended Pearl River Junior College and graduated from Southwestern Louisiana University, both on a football scholarship. He did his military service in the United States Marine Corps at Camp Lejeune and began his professional career at Holy Cross, his alma mater. His next position was as Coach and History Teacher at Marrero Jr High School. His final career move was into the Jefferson Parish School Board Central Office where he worked as a Supervisor of Child Welfare. In retirement, he and Cookie spent nine years living and traveling in Mexico and spending time with family. After Cookie's death, he was fortunate to reunite with a high school friend, Francis, with whom he enjoyed many cruising vacations and a great deal of shopping. Dad will be missed by many and remembered as a kind loving teddy bear of a man. Burial will be private, and a memorial will be scheduled at a later date.