Eugene V. “Buster” Heck

Eugene V. “Buster” Heck, 89, of New Philadelphia, died peacefully in his home on Saturday, June 26, 2021, following a period of declining health.

Born in Dover on March 14, 1932, he was the son of the late Eugene Victor Heck, Sr., and Marie (Destefani) Heck Weigand and Edward Weigand.

After graduating from St. Joseph High School in 1951, Buster honorably served his country in the United State Navy during the Korean War.

On April 24, 1954, he married the love of his life, the late Norma Jean (Mattevi) Heck. Together, they were members at Sacred Heart Church and were blessed with the birth of their 8 children.

Learning to type was the key to Buster’s professional success. He was in charge of the Liberty List in the Navy.  He was then recruited by the former Empire Detroit Steel Company where he started as a clerk and retired after 38 years as the production manager for the Dover and Mansfield plants. He served on the Board of Directors for the former Empire Affiliates Credit Union.

He was also a talented woodworker, where he enjoyed building cupboards and vanities. Buster was also an avid New Philadelphia Quaker supporter. Additionally, he was a loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather.

Buster will be deeply missed by his children including Dave (Patty) Heck, Amy (Tony) Sandy, Kathy McGaha, Sherry Bernard, Mickey (Kelly) Herron, Jeany (Stephanie Smith) Heck, Ed (Stacie) Heck and Joe Heck; 13 grandchildren; and 9 great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, step-father, and wife, Buster was preceded in death by his sister, Maxine Streb.

Visitation will be held in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory on Wednesday, June 30 from 4 to 8 p.m. with a Christian Wake service beginning at 7:45 p.m. Father Jeff Coning will celebrate a Mass of Christian Burial in Sacred Heart Church on Thursday beginning at 10:30 a.m. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery at New Philadelphia where the New Philadelphia V.F.W. Post #1445 will render military honors. A reception will be held at Buster’s home following the committal service.

Memorial contributions in Buster’s memory may be directed to the Quaker Club, PO Box 202, New Philadelphia, OH 44663.