Gary Lee Heckman, Sr.

Gary Lee Heckman, Sr., age 79, of Carrollton, Georgia, passed away peacefully and entered Heaven on September 15, 2025. He was born on December 11, 1945, in Rockford, Illinois, to the late LeRoy and Eva (Pash) Heckman. On March 18, 1967, Gary married Karen (Bandlow) Heckman, with whom he shared nearly 40 years of marriage before her passing on December 28, 2006.

Together they raised three children: Gary Heckman II, Jeanine Shickles, and Sarah Dean. He was “Bompa” to five grandchildren: Alison (Gabriel) Ihm, Aidan, Garrett, Rachel, and Koda Heckman. He was “Grandpa” to Karena Dean, and he was blessed to be Great-Grandpa to Elaina Elizabeth Ihm. All of them brought him immense joy.

Gary was fortunate to find love again, marrying Arlene Forgach on May 3, 2008. Together, they shared many happy years in Carrollton, Georgia, until his passing. Gary spent almost his entire adult life working in the automotive industry and was known for his friendly spirit and ability to connect with everyone he met. In retirement, he devoted his time to collecting baseball cards and coins, hobbies that brought him both joy and purpose. Gary was an avid Milwaukee/Atlanta Braves fan since 1957. He loved taking drives, visiting casinos, and—above all—spending time with his family and friends. In his younger years, Gary cherished adventures with his best friend, Tom Skoumal. Together, they once set out on a memorable road trip out West, a journey filled with laughter, stories, and the kind of friendship that lasts a lifetime. Gary never met a stranger. His kindness, thoughtfulness, and good humor made him admired and loved by all who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, LeRoy and Eva Heckman; siblings, Louise and Keith; his beloved wife, Karen; his daughter, Jeanine; and his lifelong friend, Tom. His memory will live on in the hearts of his family, friends, and all those fortunate enough to have known him.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, from 6–8 p.m. at Honquest Funeral Home with Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 4311 North Mulford Road, Loves Park, IL. Funeral services will follow on Thursday, September 25, 2025, at 1:00 p.m., with visitation one hour prior to the service. Recording of the service can be found here.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Gary Lee Heckman, Sr., please visit our floral store.