John Henry Heckler, 86, Celina, passed away at 4:35 a.m. Nov. 22, 2013, at the Celina Manor Nursing Home, Celina.

He was born Nov. 13, 1927, in Celina to Roman and Anna Anthony Heckler. On Sept. 2, 1950, he married Ruth Boeckman, who died in 1996.

Surviving are his children, Peg (Jerry) Coate, Celina, Joan (Robin) Huelsman, Celina, Steve (Sandy) Heckler, Celina, Roger Heckler, Celina, Sharon Heckler, Celina, and Lisa Adkins, Centerville; 13 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; a son-in-law, Dale (Paulette) Sommer, Celina; a sister, Mary "Trudie" (Henry) Lefeld, St. Henry; and his companion, Esther Borger, Celina.

Deceased are a daughter, Nancy Sommer; and two infant sisters, Ann Rose Heckler and Teresa Heckler.

He was a 1945 graduate of Immaculate Conception Catholic High School and was a life member at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Celina, where he was an usher, adult altar server, Eucharistic minister, lector and helped with the religious education program. He served his country in the U.S. Navy on the USS Hornet Aircraft Carrier from 1945-1946, and served in the Navy Reserves until 1954. He was a member of the Celina American Legion Post # 210, past commander in 1953 and initiated the drill team for military honors in Celina. He also was a member of the Celina Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5713, Celina Moose Lodge and Celina Knights of Columbus Council #1800. He was a volunteer firefighter in Celina. He was formerly employed at Heckler Hardware Store in Celina, then managed the Amstutz Poultry Farm and retired in 2012 from Wolfe Tire on his 85th birthday.

Funeral Mass is 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, the Rev. Kenneth G. Alt, C.PP.S., officiating. Burial will follow in St. Marys Catholic Cemetery, Celina, with military honors.

Calling is 2-8 p.m. Monday and 9-10 a.m. Tuesday at the Lehman-Hogenkamp-Dzendzel Funeral Home, Celina. American Legion and VFW membership services will be held at 7 p.m. and Knights of Columbus membership services will be at 8 p.m. on Monday at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to State of the Heart Home Health & Hospice or Immaculate Conception Endowment Fund.

Condolences may be left at LHDfuneralhome.com.