Wadley's Funeral Service
Purcell, McClain Co., OK
(permission granted)

Joseph Edward Heck was stamped “return to sender” on August 17, 2016 in Purcell, Oklahoma at the age of 44 years 1 month 13 days. We think he left so soon to avoid this years black Friday Christmas sales.

Joe was born July 4, 1972 in Salem, Missouri to Thomas E. and Maryann (Lang) Heck. He was raised and attended school in Lexington, Oklahoma. On July 5, 1990, Joe was inducted into the United States Marines. After serving 4 years, Joe decided that being bossed around wasn’t for him. During that time he earned the Sharpshooter Rifle Badge, Marksman Pistol Badge, National Defense Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, Humanitarian Service Ribbon, and a Letter of Appreciation, for various honorable acts including participating in Hurricane Andrew Relief, and many different military operations. Upon his return to civilian life, Joe began his work as a firefighter, without realizing that he was still under the all watchful eye of the powers that be. Joe continued his education in EMS and went to EMT school. His instructor was a Paramedic named Kathleen Haworth. Joe tried all the tricks in his arsenal to get noticed by his instructor, relying on his arrogance and quick wit. Low and behold, on July 7, 2006, Kathleen gave into Joe’s persistence and determination on making her the happiest darn woman on earth, and said “yes, now leave me alone.” They loved spending time with family and friends, going on trips and making great memories. Joe was a jokester and prankster. He never met a stranger, and was always helping others. He enjoyed riding motorcycles and deer. Of course he hadn’t perfected the transition from bike to deer, but he was adventurous. Joe was told many times, “running away from fires makes more sense than running towards them,” so Joe retired due to his health. Joe reflected on his service and often stated “what a great bunch of brain damaged misfits that I have worked with, except the fab five and their minions.” It was later learned that Joe didn’t like them anyway.

Joe is preceded in death by his mother, Maryann "Queen" Johnston; the best Grandma a kid could have, Grandma Nonnie; his twin babies; his grandson, Maddox Heck; his nephews, Preston Heck and Blake Couch; a brother-in-law, Kevin Wiginton; and mother-in-law, Virginia Haworth.

He leaves behind his parents, Tom and Jean Heck of Purcell; wife; Kathleen Heck of the home; daughter, Leanne Vanderburg and husband, Michael of Purcell; sons, Michael Heck and Ethan Heck of Purcell; siblings, Terry Heck of Norman, Ann Cypert and husband, Greg of Purcell, Michelle Wiginton of Rolla, Missouri, Rebekah Couch and husband, Jeremiah of Purcell, Robert Heck of Norman; nephews, Joseph Heck, Tyson Cypert, Taylor Cypert, Jeremiah Wiginton, James Wiginton, Halston Heck, Dylan Couch; niece, Courtney Couch; father-in-law, Dillon Haworth; sister-in-law, Lorrie Haworth.

Joe’s visitation is scheduled from 8am to 8pm, Thursday and Friday. 8am to 5pm on Saturday. Joe’s Funeral Services are scheduled for 2:00 PM, Monday, August 22, 2016 at the First Baptist Church in Purcell with Reverend Justin Blankenship officiating. Interment will follow at Hillside Cemetery under the care of Wadley’s Funeral Service.

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