Nelson Heckman

Nelson was born on October 4th, 1937, in McKeesport, Pennsylvania, to Duane Wilson Heckman and May Virginia (Walker) Heckman. He graduated from North Hunnington High School in 1950. A few years later, he married Melva Jane Brown in Virginia on Feb. 23, 1957.

He worked at American Airlines as an airplane mechanic and electrician for many years. He held an electrician’s license as well as a license to supervise electricians in the State of Oregon. In 1984, he joined the Malheur Lumber Company in John Day. He stayed on there until his retirement in 2015.

Nelson really enjoyed camping, hiking, and observing wildlife. Another of his hobbies was Ham Radio, and he obtained a radio operator license.

Survivors include one son, Nelson Lee Heckman of Los Gatos, California; two daughters, Cynthia Ann Falkenhagen and her husband, Joe, of Vancouver, Washington, and Kimberly Anna Crumly and her husband, Thomas, of LaPine, Oregon; as well as seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Melva, and one son, Jeffrey Allen Heckman.

A visitation was held on Thursday, December 18, 2025, at Driskill Memorial Chapel from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM. A funeral service will be held on Friday, December 19, 2025, at Driskill Memorial Chapel, beginning at 1:00 PM. Following the service, a reception will be held at 1188 Brewing in John Day, Oregon.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation through Driskill Memorial Chapel at 241 S. Canyon Blvd., John Day, OR 97845.