Emily Gene Heckman's Obituary
Emily Gene Taylor Heckman, 85, of Claude passed away on Thursday, February 14, 2019 in Amarillo.
Services will be held on Sunday, February 17, 2019 at 3:00 pm at the Claude United Methodist Church. Rev. Dan Carter will be officiating. Burial will follow at the Goodnight Cemetery.
Emily Taylor Heckman was born in Lovington, New Mexico on January 30, 1934 to Luke and Bertie May Taylor. She was blessed to have four children, Vickie Jo Bailey, Buster Kirkland (married to Pam), Janie Burkhalter (married to Rick) and Mike Kirkland. In 1981 Emily married the love of her life Ray Heckman. They moved south of Claude where they built a house and lived there near the Palo Duro Canyon for many years. Their new blended family now included Ray’s children Pat Arnold, Randy Heckman, and Sherri Shipman (married to Emil). Together they loved this blended family and were blessed with sixteen grandchildren and twenty-five great-grandchildren.
Emily was raised by a 4th generation ranch family in Lea County New Mexico. After graduating from Lovington she attended and graduated Cum Laude with a BBA in Computer Science from New Mexico State University. Upon graduation in 1970 she and her four children then relocated to Panhandle, TX where she was employed by Pantex as a Systems Analyst until her retirement.
She was very active in the community as a faithful member of the Claude United Methodist Church, teaching, serving and encouraging the shut-ins. Emily was an accomplished painter and served several offices in the Amarillo Fine Arts. She also served her beloved community by delivering Meals on Wheels, volunteering at the Treasure Chest and the Armstrong Co. Museum, as well as various other community activities.
Emily’s husband Ray Heckman preceded her in death. Emily Gene Heckman went to be with her beloved Savior and Friend Jesus Christ on Valentine’s Day.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests that donations be sent to the First United Methodist Church in Claude.
To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Emily Gene Heckman please visit our Sympathy Store.
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