Douglas Earl Heckert

Douglas Earl Heckert passed away early Christmas morning, December 25, 2020, at the age of 74. He was born in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, but was a lifelong resident of Indianapolis, Indiana. He had battled serious medical issues in recent years but showed his courage in facing life’s challenges. Despite his pain, Doug came out a hero and stayed strong until the very end.

More lovingly called “Grumpy Bear” by his current wife, he died as a result of being stubborn, sometimes refusing to follow doctors’ orders and raising hell for more than seven decades (so she is told). He enjoyed his morning coffee and Nutty Bar, guns, cars, photography (nature and covered bridges), fishing, watching American Pickers, NCIS, reviewing old History, watching War movies and Westerns, being on the computer and watching YouTube, and occasionally, had a shot of Wild Turkey Bourbon Whiskey. Every family member also knows his love of those Hershey Kisses and Cherry Cordials!

Doug worked at Navistar International Transportation Corp for 35 years and had been retired since September 30, 1998. Doug is survived by his current wife, Joyce Penn, who he met in December 2005 and whom he shared his life together for the last 15 years.

Doug’s mother, Mattie (Fuller) Kiefer and Step-Father, William A. Kiefer, predeceased him in death.

Doug has three children with his former wife, Phyllis A. Trippi (deceased). He is survived by his loving children, Michael (Susan) Heckert of Indianapolis, Indiana; Annmarie (Don) Underwood of Indianapolis, Indiana; Laurie (Beth) Spurlin of Taylorsville, Kentucky. He is also survived by his loving grandchildren, Abigail Heckert, Nathan Herman, Elijah Spurlin, Aiden Spurlin, Gianna Spurlin, and Asher Spurlin.

Doug was also loved and survived by his Step-Children, Deborah Penn Smith and Rebecca Russel and Step-Grandchildren, Jessica Lanning, Kennedy Penn, Larissa Sam, Kaitlin Russell and Kristin Russell, and a Step-Great Grandson, Marcus Tanner.

There will be a showing at the Dove-Sharp & Rudicel Funeral Home, 420 South State Street, North Vernon, Indiana 47265 on Thursday, January 7, 2021, between the hour of 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. (noon).  Phone Number: 812-346-3977  MASKS REQUIRED

A short graveside burial ceremony will follow the showing at the Vernon Cemetery.

Contributions may be made to the Indiana Heart Association, American Diabetes Association or The National Kidney Foundation.

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