DeWayne K. Heckley

DeWayne K. Heckley, 84, of Woodburn, Indiana, passed away Sunday morning, September 21, 2025 at Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

He was born on April 9, 1941 in Fort Wayne, Indiana to the late John V. and Alice Mae (Shoop) Heckley.

DeWayne was united in marriage to Sandra (Hahn) Heckley and she survives.

DeWayne was an active member of Christ Lutheran Church in Woodburn. He served his church in various capacities including financial secretary, Stephens Minister, usher, and Woodburn Lutheran School Board.

He was a 1959 graduate of Lafayette Central High School. Following his graduation, he attended International Business College in Fort Wayne where he received his Associate Degree in Accounting. He applied his education by starting Heckley Tax Service at his home in Woodburn with his wife Sandra. The business grew and eventually had a location in Ossian in addition to Woodburn. During the same time he and Sandra were growing their tax business, he was also employed as a Construction Project Manager for 35 years, retiring in 2010.

DeWayne fulfilled the biblical calling of serving your neighbor by being actively involved in his community. The Woodburn Baseball commission, East Allen County School Board, and Woodburn Community Association, were among the many organizations to benefit from his involvement in the Woodburn area community. He would tirelessly seek to improve the lives of the people impacted by these organizations. In his spare time and in “retirement”, DeWayne was a constant presence in the lives of his children and grandchildren, being present at most of their activities. He was known as the “kettlecorn guy” with the camping group. He valued the time spent traveling with Sandra throughout the United States. Additionally, he found enjoyment and relaxation in woodworking, with his children benefitting from his skills and creations. Throughout his life, he was an active fisherman, which he passed onto his children and some of his grandchildren.

Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Sandra Heckley of Woodburn, Indiana; son, Todd (Sue) Heckley of New Haven, Indiana; son, Kevin (Tiffany) Heckley of Woodburn, Indiana; daughter, Deena (Jeremy) Hart of Churubusco, Indiana; ten grandchildren, Andrew (Amanda) Walsh, Lanae (Jordan) Bowman, Cameron (Regan) Heckley, Caleb (Sarah) Heckley, Taylor Heckley, Alicia (Connor) Brummett, Ethan Heckley, McKenzie (Brayden Simmons) Hart, Cole Hart, and Mace Hart; and nine Great Grandchildren; Landon, Carter, Annabelle, Conrad, Elizabeth, Claire, Juliet, Fletcher, and one more soon.

He was preceded in death by a brother, Brent Heckley and grandson, Jordan Heckley.

A funeral service for DeWayne will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, September 27, 2025 at Christ Lutheran Church, Woodburn, with Pastor Tim Edwards officiating. Burial will follow in Christ Lutheran Cemetery, Woodburn.

Friends and family will be received from 3-8 p.m. on Friday, September 26, 2025 at Christ Lutheran Church, Woodburn and from 9:45 – 10:45 a.m. on Saturday also at the church.

Preferred memorials can be given to Christ Lutheran Church, Woodburn.

Arrangements by Zwick & Jahn Funeral Homes, Jacobs Chapel of Monroeville, Indiana