Mr. Roscoe "Pete" Heckaman, 96, of Argos, passed away at 10:20 PM on Wednesday, September 26 , 2018 at his residence.

In Bremen, on May 4 , 1922, Roscoe "Pete" Heckaman was born.  He was a treasured son of  Walter Ray and Elva Berkeypile Heckaman.  Growing up as one of seven children he shared his childhood with five sisters and a brother.  Pete was a 1941 graduate of Bourbon High School.  Shortly thereafter patriotism beckoned and Pete answered the call serving with the  U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II.

On August 28 , 1943, Roscoe "Pete" and Mary Elizabeth Neff were married in Burbank, CA.  Their union of nearly seven decades produced two daughters.  Sharon and Rosemary, and a son Mike. Over the years the family tree grew with the additions of eight grandchildren and thirty great grandchildren.

With  a passion for agriculture, Pete  and Mary began their ag career on a farm near Bourbon.  The farm was composed of with 12 sows, 150 chickens,  36 Holsteins and they annually fed out 30 steers.  In 1959 they moved to a farm near Argos, where their  family continued by increasing the herd size to 90 Holstein.  During the 1980's the tradition continued as the Mike & Jan Heckaman family assumed ownership and  increased the herd to over 700 Holsteins.   Now with the help of the third and forth generations the the  great heritage and evolution of the Heckaman Dairy  continues.

A true community servant, Pete was a founding member of the Marshall County Dairy Association.  He served as chairman of the board of the Marshall-Fulton County CO-OP.  He was also devoted to the Marshall County Soil and Water Conservation board of directors.

Traveling was enjoyed by both Pete and Mary. They once toured farms across Europe. Summer fun at a cabin, on the pristine lakes of Minnesota, fishing for blue gill provided a vacation escape for the family.  Their annual pilgrimage was visiting the 6th Crow Wing Lake. For over 30 years the Heckamans enjoyed the warmth of the Florida sunshine, wintering at Sebring.

Left to cherish Pete's memory are 2 daughters: Sharon DeMont & husband Ed of Argos, Rosemary Cullers & husband Ron of Mexico, IN; a son, Mike Heckaman & wife Jan of Argos;  8 grandchildren: Michael DeMont and wife Jackie,  Daniel DeMont & wife Karen, Christopher DeMont & wife Annie, David Cullers & wife Kathy, Christine Traub & husband Shawn, Carrie Bollenbacher & husband Max, Matthew Heckaman & wife Tiffany, Douglas Heckaman & wife Stephanie;  29   great grandchildren; three sisters: Jeanie Roahrig and husband Jake of Plymouth, Bonnie Craig of Nappanee, Joyce Overmyer of Rochester; a brother, LeRoy "Pealy" Heckaman of Bourbon; and several nieces and nephews.

Preceding Pete in death are his parents Walter Ray and Elva Heckaman; beloved wife Mary on December 7 , 2011; great granddaughter, Ashley N. DeMont on June 19 , 2017; and two sisters: Faye King and Helen Montgomery.

Pastor Bob Metzger will officiate services. Interment will be in the New Oak Hill Cemetery of Plymouth.