OBITUARY | 2010-07-12
Paul E. Hecker, 87, of Sugarcreek, died July 7, 2010, at Walnut Hills Retirement Home, Walnut Creek, following a one-year illness.Born Oct. 16, 1922, in Holmes County, Paul was a son of the late Melvin and Elva Hecker. He retired in 1988 as a truck driver from the Sugarcreek Cartage Company. He was a member of First Mennonite Church, Sugarcreek, where he enjoyed peeling apples for apple fritters at the Ohio Swiss Festival. He attended school as a youth in Sugarcreek, was a member of the Sugarcreek Sportsmans Club, was an active member of the Garaway Senior Center, served with the Civil Public Service from 1943-46, and volunteered with the Alpine Hills Museum, Sugarcreek.Surviving are daughters, Bonnie Hecker of Niles, Mich., Judy Green of Kansas City, Mo., Kathie (Mike) Hothem of Wooster, and Paula Hecker of Sugarcreek; seven grandchildren, Kim (Tom) DeMatteo, Kevin (Staci) Stutzman, Chelsea (Robbie) Bond, Jairo Matthews, and Melissa, Tiffany, and Amanda Green; six great-grandchildren, Matthew Green, Reed and Riley DeMatteo, Mason and Gunner Stutzman, and Alana Bond; and sister, Dorothy Burger of Baltic.He was preceded in death by his wife, Virginia Hecker, whom he married in 1943; and sister, Marge Hughes.Services were held July 10, 2010, at First Mennonite Church, Sugarcreek, with Pastor Jayne Byler officiating. Burial was in Union Hill Cemetery, Sugarcreek.For those unable to attend, visit http://www.smithfuneral.com to share a memory and sign his online register.Family suggests memorial contributions be made to Hospice of Tuscarawas County or the Garaway Senior Center, P.O. Box 162, Sugarcreek 44681.
