Roger Heckler

Roger W. Heckler, 76, of Carmi, passed away at 7:37 p.m., Tuesday, January 21, 2014 at Fairfield Memorial Hospital in Fairfield, IL. He was born April 23, 1937 in Flat Rock, IL the son of Roger Voyle and Viola Evelyn (Groff) Heckler. Roger married Ilene Mae Kloepper at Northside Baptist Church in Grayville on June 19, 1960 and she survives.

Roger graduated in 1955 from Crossville High School and went on to receive his Bachelors Degree from Oakland City University in 1961, his Masters Degree from Indiana St. University in 1966 and his Administration Degree from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale. He was also a 1964 graduate of the Kentucky School of Mortuary Science, a licensed funeral director and embalmer for more than 40 years and assisted many local funeral homes. Roger retired in 1993 after 38 years in the field of education. He served as a teacher at Lincoln and Jefferson Schools in Carmi, principal at Lincoln School, assistant superintendent at New Hope and superintendent of schools at Crossville, Mill Shoals, and New Hope.

Roger served his community over the years and in 1979 was named Carmi's Citizen of the Year. He was a member and served various positions in the Carmi Lions Club, Illinois School Administrators, Sheba Masonic Lodge #200 in Grayville, White County School Master's Organization, Carmi Little League, American Cancer Society, Carmi Industrial Board, School Bus Safety Program, Oakland City University Alumni Board, Carmi Township Trustee, Carmi Chamber of Commerce, served four years as a White County Deputy Coroner, White County Ambulance Director and served on the National Board of Directors for Health Care for General Baptist Churches.

Surviving are his wife of 53 years, Ilene Heckler of Carmi; a son and daughter-in-law, Steven and Nannette Heckler of Oxford, GA; a sister and brother-in-law, Connie Jo and Joe Miller of Grayville; three grandchildren, Forrest Lee, Audrey Lynn and Tristan Lee Heckler; and two nieces and a nephew.

Funeral services for Roger W. Heckler, 76, of Carmi, will be held on Saturday, January 25, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at Campbell Funeral Home in Carmi. Burial will be in Oak Grove Cemetery in Grayville. Friends may call on Friday, from 3:30 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Campbell Funeral Home in Carmi.

Memorial gifts may be given in Roger's name to Carmi Lion's Club or the Oakland City Aumni Assoc. and will be accepted at the funeral home.