Richard Frank "Dick" Heckler, 73, of Pensacola, FL passed away peacefully at home on Monday, December 21, 2020 with his loving wife at his side.

Dick was born in Panama City, FL on January 18, 1947 to Leo P. and Edith T. Heckler. He grew up in Panama City and graduated from Rutherford High School in 1965. After high school, he joined the US Navy and started his career as an aviation electrician. He was honorably discharged in 1969 and hired by IBM in Tallahassee, FL. He started as a customer engineer on typewriters and was quickly moved up the ladder to service manager, where he worked for 37 years (21 of those years being a paraplegic). He filled a seat on multiple boards after becoming a paraplegic and was highly recognized by many in the community.

Dick is preceded in death by his parents and his parents-in-law, J.T. and Margaret Duncan.

Survivors include the love of his life for 53 years, Catherine D. "Cathy" Heckler; his devoted children, Amy Castillo (John) and Dickie Heckler (Jo); three special grandchildren, Daniel Castillo, Maggie Heckler and Evan Castillo; also, Cathy's 5 siblings and their spouses; as well as many nieces and nephews. He will be missed by many friends and family.

Graveside Service will be held 1:30pm Tuesday, June 22, 2021 at Barrancas National Cemetery with Navy Honors. Due to Base Security, funeral cortege will depart Harper-Morris Memorial Chapel at 1:00pm for those wishing to attend.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Presbyterian Church Rebuilding Fund, P.O. Box 1878, Panama City, FL 32402, where Dick and Cathy got married in 1967.

The family would like to thank Emerald Coast Palliative Care and Regency Hospice for the exceptional care and support they provided.