Dateline: February 15, 2007

Daniel “Ray” Heckman, 77, died Monday, February 5, 2007, in Amarillo.

Graveside services were held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 8, 2007, in the Goodnight Cemetery in Goodnight with Yvonne Stephens and Sara Dean, officiating.  Interment was held at the Goodnight  Cemetery.  Services were under the direction of Robertson Funeral Directors, Inc., of Clarendon.

Mr. Heckman was born June 14, 1929, in Clarendon to George and Annie Mae Karnes Heckman.  He was raised on the JA Ranch and attended Clarendon schools.  He then served in the US Army in Korea where he was awarded two Bronze Stars.  After discharge from the Army, he attended Clarendon College.  He was employed at Pantex for 36 ½ years before his retirement.  He married Emily Taylor Kirkland on April 17, 1981, in Amarillo.

Mr. Heckman was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Debbie Heckman; a sister, Leola Gilmore; and a brother, Cecil Heckman.

Survivors include his wife, Emily Heckman of Claude; two daughters, Patricia “Pat” Arnold of Happy, Sherri Shipman and husband Emil of Happy; two step daughters, Vickie Bailey of Pampa, Janie Burkhalter and husband Rick of Lubbock; one son, Randy Heckman of Amarillo; a brother, Lowell Heckman of Pampa; 16 grandchildren; and nine great grandchildren.

The family requests memorials be to Goodnight Cemetery Association or Claude Volunteer Fire Department.