Cletus Christopher Heckman

Cletus Christopher Heckman, 86, of Wardsville, passed away Tuesday, December 27, 2016, at SSM Health St. Mary's Hospital. He was born August 22, 1930, in Jefferson City, the son of the late Anton and Anna (Frank) Heckman. He was a graduate of St. Peter High School. Cletus served his country during the Korean Conflict with the United States Army. He was united in marriage on August 2, 1952, in Wardsville to Ella Bernskoetter who survives at the home. Cletus began his working career with his brother forming the Heckman Brothers Company. He later worked for Ford Motor Company in St. Louis before leaving for the Army. Following his honorably discharge from the Army, he worked as head chef for Holiday Inn and Josh's Restaurant. He then became a foreman with McGraw Edison with the die casting department. Throughout his entire career and following retirement, Cletus worked on his family farm. Cletus was a mentor to many who loved to share his knowledge. He was a member of St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in Wardsville, and the Over 50 Club. He enjoyed gardening, maintaining his yard, reading, working on puzzles, and playing bingo. He was never a stranger to anyone and was a great story teller In addition to his wife, Ella Heckman, he is survived by four children, Dianne (David) Reed, Brazito; Larry (Kelli) Heckman, Hartsburg; Sandy (Jim) Kliethermes, Wardsville; Donna Verslues, Taos; eight grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; two step great-grandchildren; one great-great-granddaughter; one brother, Harold (Bernice) Heckman, Wardsville; and one brother-in-law, Wilbur (Ethel) Bernskoetter, Mary's Home. He was preceded in death by his parents; four sisters, Rose Meyers, Eleanor White, Frances Robinson, Louise Kremer; and one brother, Raymond Heckman. Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. Friday, December 30, 2016, at Dulle-Trimble Funeral Home, with a preceding prayer service at 3:30 p.m. Additional visitation will be 9-10 a.m. Saturday at the church. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m. Saturday, December 31, 2016, at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church. Entombment will be in St. Stanislaus Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to St Stanislaus Parish, 6418 Route W, Wardsville, MO 65101. Those wishing to email tributes or condolences to the family may do so at the www.dulletrimble.com website.