Dick Heckard, son of Margaret and George Heckard, died Jan. 6, 2011, at home in Galveston, Texas.
In 1956, he married Susan Perry, his wife for 54 years, who preceded him in death by about two weeks. After an Army stint, Dick tried selling insurance, with the result that the couple lived on corn flakes and beans. Moving to American National Insurance, Dick prospered and 30 years later, realizing he could take retirement in a lump sum and earn more in the stock market than from his salary, he did so, moving into a life of service to others.
An active member of the Galveston Noon Optimist Club and the Westminster Presbyterian Church, Dick was both an elder and a deacon. He enjoyed traveling with Susan, singing in the church choir, playing bridge, going to dinner, and seeing plays with friends. For years, he and Susan delivered Meals on Wheels.
Dick leaves his children, Beth Roddin and her husband, Gerald, Nancy Bertolino and husband Dennis, and Donna Flint and husband Robert; grandchildren Christine Bertolino and Jennifer, Toby, and Quincy Flint; stepmother Mildred Heckard; a brother, Robert Heckard; and stepbrothers Dennis and Ned Underwood. To them, the class expresses its sympathy.