Donald lee Hecke, 80 of New Port Richey Fl passed away Sunday April 26, 2026, at James a Haley Veterans Hospital in Tampa. He was previously from Hot Springs Arkansas.
Born On August 25, 1945, the son of Junior Henry Hecke and Ambolene Hecke in Maywood California. He married his wife of 58 years Joyce on Jan 8, 1965.
He was preceded in death by his wife, parents, oldest daughter Deborah Smith, his youngest son Anthony Hecke and younger sister Linda Sue Knapp.
When Don was 17, he joined the US Navy Serving our great country for 27 years. He retired as a USN Chief Boatswain’s Mate and a Vietnam Veteran.
Though retired from the Navy, it did not take the water and adventure out of his life.
He enjoyed spending his time traveling with his wife, often taking trips to go see their family, from the children, grandchildren, shipmates to the great friends they met along the way.
Donald is survived by his daughter Darlene Hecke (Ted); Son Ernest (Al) Costa of Des Moines Iowa; 7 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren as well as extended family members and a host of dear friends.
A memorial service will be held with families and friends on: 10 am Saturday June 20,2026
At Piney Grove Church 2963 Airport Rd #9071, Hot Springs, AR 71913.
Condolences
My Dear New Friend Darlene
I met you in your loss and witnessed your grief. I am amazed at how well you pushed forward in your healing. I have listened to your stories bringing both sadness and happiness. Dad was a strong & kind man, I wish I had met him.
I am happy to be here for you at this difficult time and hope to remain your friend & will lend all the support you need from me. May peace be yours.
Our deepest sympathies and condolences to the Hecke family. Don was a great friend and fellow veteran. We will miss him and his quick wit and infectious sense of humor.
My dearest Darlene there are no words to describe this emptiness that we both have however I have new memories. Memories that are blessed by the fullness that only God can provide. May we continue to share the memories we will have in the future. Much love, Mama Rosie
Our hearts go out to you and your family. John and I are going to miss Don. We had great times with him and your mom. We love you and are here for you.
Don Hecke
Dick Schreifels here, Don and I met at the first Mine Division 113 Vietnam reunion which was held in Chicago and have been the best of friends ever since. Don and I served in Mine Division 113 Vietnam during the same time period except that Don’s boat operated up north in south Vietnam sweeping for water mines on the rivers at Cau Viet near the DMZ while my boat operated down south on the canals and rivers in the Mekong Delta. Don and Joyce were great reunion supporters, attended every reunion, and were always there to help Rosemary and I and others making sure the reunion was going smoothly. Don and I were both Retired Chief Boatswains Mates and had severed on many similar ships (Amphibious ships) but we never served aboard the same ships, we had a lot in common. Don and I would have phone conversations monthly that lasted two or more hours, discussing the Navy, the ships, the same sailors we had known, and stations we had been assigned to during our Navy careers. Don Hecke was reliable, had integrity, was a outstanding shipmate and sailor.
Fair Winds and Following Seas My Friend