Kenneth A. Heckman

GLANDORF - Kenneth A. Heckman, 77, of Glandorf died on Friday, September 28, 2018 at 7:55 a.m. at his home.  He was born October 2, 1940, in Lima to the late Joseph and Theresa (Horstman) Heckman.  On November 27, 1971 he married Christina F. Horstman, who survives in Glandorf.

Also surviving are two daughters: Gina (Shane) Travis and Beth (Gabe) Carrera both of Kalida; six grandchildren:  Jordan (Nicole) Travis, Tori Travis, Logan Travis, Sophia Carrera, Jaxson Carrera and Cole Carrera; one brother, Tom (Linda) Heckman of Ottawa; one sister-in-law, Jeanette Heckman of Glandorf; and all of his "basketball boys."

He was also preceded in death by three siblings:  Richard Heckman, Carol (Ralph) Kaufman and Rosalie (Charlie) Borer.

Kenny was a 1959 graduate of Glandorf High School where he played baseball and basketball.  He was named the 1959 outstanding PCL Player of the Year and was a unanimous choice for first team.  He attended Defiance College where he played baseball and basketball.  His college baseball team earned the M.O.L. title and a trip to the N.A.I.A. national championship tournament in 1961.  Kenny served for 5 years in the Army National Guard.  He retired from Whirlpool in Findlay after 35 years.  He was a member of St. John's Catholic Church in Glandorf and its Men's Holy Name Society, the Ottawa Eagles and the Ottawa American Legion.

Kenny loved to golf, but basketball was his passion.  He coached the 8th grade boys' team at S.P.P.S. for 35 years.  He wasn't just a coach of basketball; he was a friend, mentor and taught "his boys" respect for others and many life lessons.

A Mass of Christian burial will begin at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, October 2, 2018 at St. John's Catholic Church, Glandorf with Fr. Tony Fortman officiating.  Burial will be at a later date at St. John's Cemetery.   Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. on Sunday and from 2 to 8 p.m. on Monday at LOVE FUNERAL HOME, Ottawa.  A parish rosary will begin at 7:30 p.m. Monday.

Memorials may be given to Putnam County Hospice.

Condolences may be expressed at: www.lovefuneralhome.com.