Paul E. Heckman

Paul E. Heckman of Marshalltown passed away peacefully in his sleep at home on June 6, 2023. He was 91 years old.

He was born on December 2nd 1931 to Emil and Ada (Wedemeyer) Heckman in Adair, Iowa.

He graduated from Adair High School in 1949.

Paul met the love of his life, Beverly Preston, at Forest Park Ballroom. He asked her to dance and never looked back. They married on February 16th 1956 at Fort Des Moines. They were married for 64 years when Beverly passed away in 2020.

To that union, they had a daughter and a son.

Paul enlisted in the US Army on November 4th, 1952 at Camp Polk, Louisiana. Attended USAGeneral School from January thru May of 1953 at Fort Benjamin in Harrison, Indiana. Joined the US Army Reserves 328th Engineer Battalion then transferred to division headquarters of the 103rd as an E4 Sergeant in 1962. Got promoted to E8 on December 1st, 1969. Was put in charge of his own battalion in 1979. Got his CSM (Command Sergeant Major) in 1980. That was the highest rank he could achieve in the reserves as a non-commissioned officer. He retired as a CSM on December 2nd, 1991. That is 39 years and 28 days. You do the math!

He started working at Fisher Controls September 22nd, 1955 and retired August 1st 1986 as a Research Technician Supervisor.

Paul joined the American Legion Post 46 in 1954. He was Post Commander 1961-1962, Marshall County Commander 1965-1966, 3rd District Commander 1967, Department of Iowa Vice Commander 1976. He was a longtime Post Adjutant and Membership Chairman. He was an elected officer or a trustee since 1960. He also served for 12 years on the National Security Commission. His attendance at yearly national conventions gave him the opportunity to visit every state in the US, including Alaska and Hawaii. Quite an accomplishment! He served on the Bingo Committee for years, in charge of the financial aspect and subjected himself to being a substitute caller when needed. He oversaw the medical equipment closet program since the early 60’s, receiving phone calls and making sure every person who needed equipment received it timely. He was a proud life member of his post and until his health became an issue, was at the post every day for some reason.

In 1959 he joined the 40&8 Voiture 568. He became Chef de Gare from 1964-1965, Grand Chef du Iowa in 1986-1987 then later served as Grand Treasurer until 2003. He took care of Nurses Training Scholarship raffle ticket sales for years.

Joined Marshalltown York Rite Masonic bodies in 1970. Served as Knight Templar in 1990 and 1998. Also received Honorary Degrees of KTCH and KTC. He was in White Shrine and served as Worthy Patron (alongside his wife) of the Central Chapter of the Order of Eastern Star. As a member of High Twelve Club No. 617, he served as State President and local Treasurer for 6 years.

Paul joined the Matins Kiwanis in 1971 because mornings were the only time of the day that he was not already busy. He was the first member from this club to become Lieutenant Governor of Nebraska/Iowa Division of Kiwanis International in 1986-1987. He also was proud of his 50+ years of perfect attendance. If he missed a regular meeting, he would interclub in surrounding towns and take a car full of men with him. He also traveled with the funnel cake trailer and you could hear him announce, “Pepsi-Cola, Mountain Dew and Funnel Cakes.” He was also in charge of Pancake Day ticket sales for years.

He volunteered as an Ombudsman at Southridge Nursing Home for 15 years. He was an advocate for 5 years before that. He also served ice cream to the residents there on the 4th Wednesday of the month for 8 years.

He was a member of First United Church of Christ since the mid 70’s, serving as finance officer for many years.

He was also named local Elk of the Year one year without being an elk member. That has to say something about his service to people.

In his spare time, he enjoyed trapping and shingling houses. These two hobbies he taught to his son and later his son-in-law. He loved going to Hy-Vee every day for coffee club and then to the legion post for lunch.

He also found time for family. He was a strict father but always provided love and support unconditionally. He loved being Beverly’s dance partner, they even square danced for a few years.

Patriotism and integrity are words that equate to Paul. He never lied and expected the truth from everyone he met. He was always the yep man. He seldom refused to help if he could.

He is survived by his daughter Diane (Ric) Thomas, Imperial, MO and his son David (Becky) Heckman, Montour, IA. He has two grandchildren, Amy Thomas and Logan (Britney) Heckman and also two great grandsons Zach and Carson Heckman. Other survivors include his younger brother Dean (Mary Ann) Heckman of Adair, Iowa, brother-in-law Lloyd (Leona) Preston of Marshalltown and sister-in-law Mary Lou Fleming of Nevada Iowa and numerous nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death was his parents, brothers Glennard, Leonard, Burdette, Walt and sisters June, Iva Mae and Ruthie.

He has now been reunited with his wife Beverly. They are ballroom dancing in front of Jesus.

Friends and family are invited to attend a visitation on Friday, June 16 at 10:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. at the Mitchell Family Funeral Home. Graveside services will take place following the visitation at 12:00 P.M. at Rose Hill Memorial Gardens with full military honors. For online condolences, please visit www.mitchellfh.com. Ph. 641-844-1234.

In lieu of flowers memorials can be directed to Paul’s family. They will be making several donations to Paul’s favorite charities.

- Lovingly written by the family

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