A man larger than life, that’s my Uncle! The fond memories I have of Uncle Bob could not possibly fit in this space; however, I would like to share a few memories. While we lived many miles apart, we shared a zest for life. I am convinced, the exploration gene is definitely in our DNA.  Museums took us three days to tour because we would stand and read every placard! Genealogy, ahh yes, I had spent some time traipsing around discovering and exploring threads to our shared past. We would spend time talking about our travels throughout the year and looking at the zillion photos we each took. 

I am so grateful to have had the time to experience many road trips with Uncle Bob. One of the best trips was the football pilgrimage to Notre Dame and Green Bay with Aunt Che Che and my mom. It was typical for Uncle and me to pick up challenge coins wherever our adventures led. We would exchange a few military coins and joke about the fact that “It’s classified.” Uncle was always one to give life lessons, and he had a way with his words. Some of my favorites are: “Lead, Follow, or Get out of the way!” “If I can’t do it, it can’t be done.” His love of ice cream was undeniable, with routine stops to and from places!

I am so fortunate to have had four months a year with my Aunt and Uncle. Those memories of poker nights, picnics, road trips, beaches, lots of ice cream stops, sing-alongs (although no one could belt out a tune like Uncle), laughing until I’d cry, and endless conversations about everything and nothing are priceless to me.

Well, Uncle, you are most assuredly watching over all of us. I’m sure you have already met up with Vince Lombardi and Curly Lambeau, trying to draw up a few schemes for touchdowns! You are probably singing: Go! You Packers Go!

Uncle, you rest easy now. You made a difference in the world, and your legacy lives on! Please give everyone in heaven a big Uncle Bob hug!

I love you, Uncle Bob,
Sharon


Dear Bob, 

I really don’t know where to start. For the last couple of years, I wasn’t able to spend any time with you, but you were always in my thoughts and prayers. However, I was always thankful that I did get to spend the seven or eight years before that every summer with you, for they were always good times. We shared a lot of memories on the road, at the beach, at the casino, but most of all just sitting on the porch in the evening talking about the old days. I love you! Your favorite loving sister, Mert 


When I think of Uncle Bob I have a lot of fond memories. But, a couple things that immediately come to mind were his love for ice cream, the Packers, and his cologne. 
Whenever he gave you a hug, you and everyone else around you knew it because you would smell like “Uncle Bob” for weeks. In many ways his cologne was as strong and as big as he was.
He was always full of life, eager to learn, and always found a way to make my family and I laugh. 
Whether he was shouting “if you look your out” at late night poker games or testing a tour guides knowledge at a national park, because let’s face it...he knew more than the guide, he always found a way to make us laugh, and I mean really laugh. 
Although, what I admired and will remember most about him was his love and commitment to his family, his faith, and his country. He exemplified what it meant to be a great man, father, husband, and to me personally a great uncle. 
He may be gone, but he will never be forgotten. Rest In Peace uncle and give the man up there a hug for me! 

Love,

Tyler 

Uncle Bob was as big as life. I remember him as a giant when I was younger and he would come home to Johnstown to visit with his family. They would stay with us and the great times we would have. 
Up until a few years ago he came back regularly to Johnstown and the memories of our beach trips will stay with me always.  How he loved his ice cream, Gallina's Restaurant and Tony's Subs will always bring a smile to my face. But his love for his family and friends was as big as  he was.  May he rest easy now and be at peace.

Though it is hard to grasp that you are no longer here and with your family, it comforts me knowing you are in such a very sweet place.
You are very, very dear to my heart - the loving smiles and winks you gave to me and made me feel as though I was a part of your family...your daughter...will always put smiles and warmth in my heart when I think of you.  You were definitely a solid rock to your family and instilled much discipline in them so they would have great lives just as you had.  I pray for peace in their hearts as they remain here without you but know that each and every day they will carry you with them.  ...love you Dad.

I love and miss you so much gramps! I will never forget all the crazy fun times we had together. thank you for everything you have done and given to our family, you have an amazing heart. You are one of the strongest people I know and will always be remembered! forever my guardian angel! love youuuuu.
your caretaker/favorite grandchild wink wink!
Jenna

     Most of my memories of my Uncle Bob (& Aunt Che Che) are from Wichita Falls Sheppard afb I stayed a month with them & my cousins.  I will keep these happy memories with me till the day I die.  They are some of my best from my childhood.   Lake Texoma, Rangers game in Dallas etc... 
     I remember his laugh best of all, & he made me laugh.  I remember him cheering me up, helping me up from the ground after a fall, slapping me on the back while laughing, ruffling up my hair.  He was a good uncle and will NOT be forgotten. 

                                                          Love Andy Joe

My fondest memories of my brother-in-law Bob were  my teenage years.  They were stationed in Wichita Falls, TX & I lived at home with my parents in San Antonio, TX.   Every summer they would invite me to come stay with them & I gladly excepted every time!  Being a teenage girl, I'm sure I was a handful, but they treated me like I belonged there.  Bob loved his music & I certainly enjoyed listening to it with him.  God, how I miss those days.  And I'm going to miss you Bob!....dookie da bruh!

Rest in Peace my Brother

Susie



OBITUARY

Robert McHugh Hecker

17 July, 1942 – 22 October, 2019

Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks Funeral Home and Memorial Park

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