Allen Ray Heckman 83, passed away peacefully at Highland Park Care Center on Monday, May 13, 2024, surrounded by his family.
He was born July 3, 1940, in Hecla, Nebraska to Alfred and Bertha (Jines) Heckman.
After graduating from Alliance High School, he married Georgia Johnson.
At a young age, Allen developed a real passion for cars. He taught himself the craft of restoring cars to their former glory and turning them into his piece of art. He was known as a true “gear head” with many people coming to him for his special talents. He loved spending time in his shop and always had a project or two going on. He and Georgia loved cruising in his many classic cars around town and to car shows around the area. Papa “Owl” (as many of his great grandkids called him) had the pleasure of driving his grandkids and their dates to Prom and School Dances in one of his many beauties! Allen was very much a family man taking his six kids on many exciting adventures to the Grand Tetons every July, meeting up with all the Johnson Families. One of his favorite summer activities was to go boating and fishing at the nearby lakes, while teaching his children how to water ski. For many years, Al built his own stock cars and raced them at the Alliance Speedway, with his own Pit Crew cheering him on. His also shared his enthusiasm of waterfowl hunting with his boys, son-in-law, and grandsons, taking them to the blind and cooking up the best breakfast before the big hunt. His love and passion were spread throughout his life to everyone who knew him.
Allen is preceded in death by the love of his life Georgia, parents, In-laws, brother Leonard Heckman, daughter in-law Danielle Heckman, granddaughter Micah Heckman, and great-granddaughter Elle Rose.
He is survived by his children Tom Heckman, Bruce and Kris Heckman, Eddie and Tammy Heckman, Shelly and Pat Matthews, Rusty and Shawn Heckman, David Heckman and girlfriend Lisa. Grandchildren Jeremy and Shannon Heckman, Jessica and Tanner Wyatt, Alexis and Cale Johnson, Arik Heckman, Tiffanie and Joel Green, Rocky and Brittni Heckman, Tyson and Laura Matthews, Anthony (Tony) and Kelsey Matthews, Shannon Matthews and boyfriend Chad, Shelbi and Ryan Pitt, Macenzie Heckman, Brandon Heckman, Kameron and Austin Gray, Jordan and Kim Heckman, and Jeff and Kayla Heckman. Great Grandchildren Parker Boggs and Chaise Wyatt, Jayda and Vann Johnson, Olive Heckman, Landon and Nolan Heckman, Brooklyn and Savannah Green, Aubrey, Bryson and Haley Heckman, Henry, Clara and Lucy Matthews, Sadie and Lainey Matthews, Jailee Jurado and Trek Pitt, Georgia Grace Heckman, Lenore and Raelynn Gray, and Ruby Heckman.
Memorial Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, May 17, 2024 at Bates-Gould Chapel with Jeff Harris officiating. Interment will be in the Alliance Cemetery. Memorials may be given to the Memory Support Unit at Highland Park Care Center.
Online condolences may be left at www.batesgould.com.