Doyle Allen Heckaman, 80, passed away on Monday, Oct. 2, 2017, at 3:45 p.m. at Parkview Regional Medical Center, Fort Wayne.
He was born on Sept. 14, 1937, in Etna Green, to Forrest H. and Marie Heyde Heckaman. He was a 1955 graduate of Burket High School and was married to Bernita Aline Neal on Nov. 28, 1968, in Warsaw. They were married for 48 years before his passing.
Doyle grew up in rural Silver Lake and lived on the family farm for most of his life. He was a boat builder, master pattern maker and farmer. Out of high school, he began his boat-building career with North American Boats and founded Glasland Industries in 1972 where he made many different parts for the fiberglass and marine industries. In the late 1980s he created Splendor Boats by designing the catamaran style deck boat. Doyle retired in 2006 and passed on his legacy to his three grandchildren. Doyle cared for and invested in his local community with Splendor Boats and by building a local Subway restaurant. He was a devoted member of Center United Methodist Church in Silver Lake.
Those who survive include one son, Jaime (Margaret) Heckaman, Silver Lake; three grandchildren: Adam (Crystal) Heckaman, Silver Lake; Amy (Darren) Parker, Silver Lake; Andrew (Kelsey) Heckaman, Akron; and six great-grandchildren.
Also surviving are five daughters: Connie (Steve) Olczak, Hickory, N.C.; Nila (Gary) Funk, Greenville, Tenn.; Linda (Dave Elliott), Fort Wayne; Kay (Dave) Koldyke, Hickory Corners, Mich.; Marilyn (Trent) McDonald, Silver Lake; 12 additional grandchildren; nine additional great-grandchildren; and four sisters: Rosemary Williamson, Papillion, Neb.; Maxine Taylor, LaFontaine; Karen Bucher, Columbia City; and Diane Bedics, Tippecanoe.
Doyle was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Phyllis Swick; and a brother, Seward Heckaman.
A time of sharing with the family will take place on Friday, Oct. 6. from 3 to 7 p.m. at Titus Funeral Home, 2000 E. Sheridan St., Warsaw.
A funeral service celebrating Doyle’s life will take place on Saturday, Oct. 7 at 11 a.m. with visitation one hour prior at Center United Methodist Church, 9485 S. Ind. 15, Silver Lake. Pastor Kent Harting of Center United Methodist Church will officiate. Burial will follow in Lakeview Cemetery, Silver Lake.
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Memorial gifts may be made to Center United Methodist Church, 9485 S. Ind. 15, Silver Lake, IN 46982.
