James Heckel

James L. "Jimmy" Heckel, 74, passed away on Thursday, February 23, 2006, at his residence with his loving wife Bonnie at his side. He had heart disease. Jim was born on August 26, 1931, to James E. Heckel and Anna Irene Blakely Heckel in St. Joseph, MO. Jim attended school in St. Joseph, and in Topeka, after the family moved in 1943. Jim served in the Army from 1949 until 1952. During his tour of duty, Jim served with the Triple A Gun Battalion in Fairbanks, Alaska. After his discharge from the service he worked in construction for Douglas Construction Co., and M.W. Watson, and then for Graybeal Construction as a foreman until his disability retirement in 1986.
Jim was a member of the American Legion Post and a member of the V.F.W. He was also an avid bowler. He attended Berryton United Methodist Church. Jim married Bonnie Jean Trimble on April 23, 1955, and they had celebrated 50 years together.
He is survived by his wife Bonnie Jean of the home; four sisters: Flossie Dunlap, St. Joseph, MO, Alberta Burnett , Wheatland, Indiana, Frances Paschall and Norma Quiett both of Topeka. Jim was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Charles E. Heckel. Jim is also survived by many nieces and nephews, whom he loved dearly.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Monday at Berryton United Methodist Church, with burial to follow at Rossville Cemetery, with Ft. Riley Casualty Detail presenting military honors. Jim will lie in state after 2:00 p.m. Sunday at Penwell-Gabel Southeast Chapel where the family will receive friends from 5:00-7:00 p.m. Sunday evening. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to Berryton United Methodist Church Building Fund, 7009 SE Berryton Rd, Berryton, KS, 66409, or to Heart of America Hospice, 3715 S.W. 29th St. Topeka, KS, 66614.