Eugene Burton Hecker, affectionately known as Gene, passed away in Payson, Utah on September 27, 2023, a month after his 103rd birthday.
He was born in Coltman, Idaho, on August 17, 1920, to Elmer Burton and Marcella Obrey Hecker and was the eldest of three children. Gene graduated from Polytechnic High School in Long Beach, California.
Following his service in the United States Navy as an aviation radio (radar) technician during World War II, Gene became a respected civil engineer in the municipal sector. Through the years, he was employed as an aircraft engineer at Douglas and Hughes Aircraft Companies, in maintenance at Yellowstone National Park, and a civil engineer for the City of Albuquerque in New Mexico.
He married Jacqueline Ozburn January 4, 1946, and they were blessed with two sons, Randy and Stanley. Jacqueline passed in 1998. On September 17, 2005, Gene married Bonnie Arlene Colby in Sandy, Utah and was further blessed with his stepchildren, Bryant, Denise, Jason, Preston, and John.
An avid genealogist and licensed amateur radio operator, he was also a proud member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, and regularly participated at the Sandy Senior Center.
Eugene was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and held a deep love for frequent temple work.
Eugene leaves behind his son Stanley (Jannelyn) Hecker, stepsons Bryant (Beverly) Davis, Jason (Lorreta) Davis, Preston (Marty) Davis, John (Alesa) Davis, as well as his stepdaughter Denise (Ed) Cabral, and sister Verda Macky. He was preceded in death by his parents Elmer and Marcella Hecker, his spouses, first wife Jaqueline Ozburn Hecker and second wife Bonnie Colby Hecker, son Randy Hecker, and brother Robert Hecker.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, October 4, 2023, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located at 9824 Flint Drive in Sandy, Utah. Visitation will be prior from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the church. Interment with military honors will be at 1:00 p.m. in Utah Veterans Cemetery and Memorial Park, 17111 South Camp Williams Road, Bluffdale, Utah.
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