Richard "Dick" Hecker

1929-2020

Richard “Dick” Hecker was born in Girard, Ohio on July 22, 1929 to William and Doris Hecker.

Dick’s loves in life were the Holy Trinity and his large print Bible, wife Marian of 54 years, son John of 57 years, our country America, anything Ford Motor Co. Early Ford V8 Club of America and big band/swing music.

1943 (13) Dick bought his first car a 1937 Ford Tudor Sedan with money from his paper route. His folks were friends with the town constable and he let Dick deliver his papers with the Ford.

1946-48 Dick worked for Berger Motor Co. (Ford dealer) parking cars from the hotel on the backside from 12pm to 8am. He had to go an extra year of high school for only going ½ days.

1948 Dick graduated from Girard High in June. A few months later he, his folks and Aunt Katie moved to Santa Ana, Ca. His Uncle Dave, Aunt Mildred and family moved out here during WWII.

1948-1951 Dick attended Santa Ana Jr. College; taking automotive classes. He worked for Dunton Ford part-time.

1951 One week prior to graduating the US Army had him report to Fort Ord, Ca. for basic training on 2/5/51.

1951-53 Dick spent 17 months in North Korea. His was with the 81 mortar division and was the Forward Observer and carried a 38# radio up and down the hills. He was always so thankful he never had to kill anybody with his .45 Pistol. After 17 months his 19th infantry Company D rotated to Japan. He was the driver for Co. Commander. Dick’s working life included owning three Richfield service stations at the following locations and years: 17th & Santa Ana Ave. 1953-56. 19th & Wallace 1960-65. 17th & Irvine Ave 1965-71. All were in Costa Mesa, Ca.

Dick was the service manager/writer/dispatcher for Theodor Robins Ford in Newport Beach, Ca.

Dick was a sales rep for Bowes Seal Fast automotive care parts and also sold tools 1971-75.

1975-78 Dick worked for Builder’s Emporium a home improvement chain.

1978-82 Dick worked for Pep Boys selling parts and tires.

1982-83 Dick worked for Wilson Ford in Huntington Beach, Ca.

1983 Dick and John worked for Theodor Robins Ford for a few months until they were both let go.

1983-2010 Dick and sometimes John worked out of the home garage restoring 1932-1953 Fords.

Dick joined the Early Ford V8 Club of America’s national in 1966.

Dick was a charter member of the EFV8 Club’s Southern California Regional Group 11. He is a honorary life member of RG11. He has held the positions for newsletter editor, treasurer, historian, board member and tour director.

Dick was also a charter member of RG 73; the now defunct Orange County chapter. He’s a past member of Mount Palomar EFV8CA’s RG 148. Dick also has belonged to Forties Ltd., CHVA, Horseless Carriage Club and a toy collector’s club.

When younger Dick liked lake fishing and RVing.

Dick, Marian and John loved traveling for vacations during the summer. Many of those trips were to National V8 Club meets. Stops were made along the way to please everyone’s interests. Travels on Amtrak were always adventures.

Dick’s favorite colors were either purple or yellow. When he was a small boy he called yellow Yuggo. However after meeting Marian and his Dust-Rose 57’ Thunderbird, her pink sweater and their pink bedroom I think pink was it.

Dick’s favorite food was spaghetti and meatballs which by the way was his last supper. He also loved glazed donuts. For coffee he always asked for cream & sugar…stir to the left!

Dick loved his Apostolic Christian Church which he was a member and that’s where he met Marian.

Dick loved his big band/swing music. Bea Wain was his favorite female singer while Tex Beneke as his male singer. He loved Spike Jones, Phil Harris, Larry Clinton, Glenn Miller, Jack Teagarden, Clyde McCoy, Tiny Hill and Cab Calloway.

Both Dick and Marian loved to volunteer their time to the EFV8CA.

Dick’s favorite charity was the Early Ford V8 Foundation and Museum (501.3c) www.fordv8foundation.org in Auburn, IN. John asks that in lieu of flowers you would make an (if possible equal to flower cost) donation to the V8 Foundation Museum in his name. ACC members can make a donation to the Altadena church’s building fund.

Over the last few days many people have told me “I’ve never met anybody like Dick and Marian Hecker. They were always very kind and helpful.” I John know of only two disagreements between Dick and Marian during their 54 years of marriage. 1. When Dick sold the 57’ Bird in 1959 to buy a green Galaxy. 2. When he sold the gray 1935 Ford 3W Coupe in 1987.