Roger Allen Heckler, age 63, of Rockford, and formerly of Celina, died at 10:45 a.m., March 21st, 2023, at home, surrounded by his loving family, after a long battle with cancer.

He was born March 22nd, 1959, in Celina, to John and Ruth (Boeckman) Heckler.

He is survived by his former wife, Chris Severns Flores of Mendon, and their children: Tony (Jessica) Heckler of Wren, Jordan Heckler of Rockford, and Kayle Heckler of Mendon; by his beloved grandchildren: Olivia, Owen, Evan, and Easton Heckler; and by his siblings: Peg (Jerry) Coate of Celina, Joan (Robin) Huelsman of Celina, Steve (Sandy) Heckler of Celina, Sharon Heckler of Celina, and Lisa Adkins of Dayton. Also surviving is a large extended family of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Nancy Sommer; and his brother-in-law, Tom Dull.

Roger graduated from Celina High School in 1978. He loved sports, and was a die-hard Ohio State Buckeyes and Chicago Bears fan. Roger was a handyman of all sorts - working in telecommunication at First-Tel in Bluffton, IN, construction, and utilities for the Village of Mendon. Roger enjoyed collecting baseball cards and coaching MURA (Mendon-Union Recreation Association) Baseball. When he wasn't raising hell and getting thrown out of his kids' games for heckling the referees (no pun intended), you could find him watching a Western or telling the best story or joke to his family and friends.

Roger - Dad, Brother, Grandpa, Uncle, Friend - Death takes the body. God takes the soul. Our mind holds the memories. Our heart keeps the love. Our faith lets us know we will meet again. We will love and miss you for the rest of our days here on Earth, until we see you again.

Funeral Rites will be held at 11:00 A.M. Friday, March 24th, 2023, at W.H. Dick & Sons-Hellwarth Funeral Home, 311 Sunset Drive, Mendon, Pastor Randy Christian, officiant. Family and Friends may gather at the Mendon United Methodist Church, 105 E. Market Street, Mendon, for a meal following the service.

Friends may call from 4:00 to 8:00 P.M., Thursday, March 23rd, 2023, and on Friday, one hour prior to the services at the funeral home, where memorial donations may be given to towards Roger's final expenses. Burial will take place take place at a later date at St. Marys Cemetery in Celina.

Condolences may be sent to Roger's family via dickandsonshellwarthfh.com.