Gerald D. Heck

Gerald “Jerry” D. Heck, age 83 of Springfield, Ohio passed away Monday, May 18, 2026 at the Springfield Regional Medical Center. He was born October 18, 1942 in Springfield, Ohio, the son of the late Howard T. and Leah Mae (Rust) Heck.

Jerry will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 36 years, Mary (DeWell) Heck, children; Jasen (Lucy) Britcher, Kim (Dennis) Fultz, Donna Heck, Sherry (Terry) Jackson, Sharron Heck, and Amanda Heck, grandchildren; Nicole, Jessica, Harley, Tony, Paige, Spenser, Logan, Chelsea, Machele, and Gerald, great-grandchildren; Nicholas, Dani-Mae, Emma, Klaire, Rori, Mason, Zorina, Athena, Ryder Emilia and Dottie and brothers; Chuck (Linda) Heck and Jeff Young. Along with his parents, Jerry was preceded in death by his sister, Diane Heck, and grandson, Caleb.

Jerry Heck grew tending to horses and a cattle herd at a farm in Urbana. Following his graduation from Northwestern’s high school class of 1961, Jerry proudly served his country in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam era, including time stationed in Seoul, Korea as an air traffic controller. He completed three years of active duty and three years in the reserves before returning home to begin a career with PepsiCo, and Miller and Cooper Industries as a machinist. Though he retired from civilian work around 1981, Jerry’s commitment to service never ended. He joined the Army National Guard, serving another 20 years and retiring with the rank of First Sergeant. After retirement, Jerry continued honoring fellow veterans through his work organizing Honor Flights, proudly participating in the very first Honor Flight himself. He faithfully assisted each Memorial Day with placing flags on veterans’ graves at local cemeteries and traveled to Washington DC with veterans organizations for Veterans Day observances. Jerry was a proud member of the International Machinists Union, VFW Post 1031, DAV Post 13, AMVETS Post 25, and American Legion Post 6. Through the VFW, he was also a member of the Cooties, whose motto, “Keep ’em smiling in beds of white,” reflected Jerry’s compassion and devotion to others. In his free time, he enjoyed bowling, cheering on the Cincinnati Bengals, and spending 7 memorable years camping along the lake at Grand Lake St. Marys.

Family and friends will be received on Friday, May 29, 2026 from 11:00-1:00 PM at the Jackson Lytle and Lewis Life Celebration Center, Springfield. The funeral service will begin at 1:00 PM, also at the funeral home. Burial to follow at Rose Hill Burial Park where military honors will be rendered. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution to the VFW Post 1031 Hospital Fund or planting a tree in Jerry’s honor. Online condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting www.jacksonlytle.com.