Don A. Heckber, 83, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Friday, January 9, 2026, in Fort Wayne. He was born in Ossian, Indiana, to the late Raymond and Mary Heckber.
Don enjoyed working for Zollner Pistons, where he retired. He loved nature and appreciated traveling with his wife. He was a true farm man and loved his tractors and his dogs. Don will be remembered for his ornery personality and his jokes. He will be dearly missed by his friends and family.
Don is survived by his wife of 44 years, Edna Heckber; children, Steven (Carolyn) Smith, Ronald Smith, Shari Schaab, Bradley (Shirley) Olson, and Nikki Olson; 14 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; sister, Sharon (Ted) Kaufman; one nephew; and two nieces.
He was preceded in death by his son, Michael Smith, and son-in-law, Ken Schaab.
A public visitation will take place at Fairhaven Funeral Home on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, from 12 to 2 pm and then 4 to 6 pm, with a break in the middle for the family. A funeral service will take place at Emmanuel Lutheran Church on Thursday, January 29, 2026, at 11 am, with visitation from 10 am until the service. A burial will take place following the service at Oak Lawn Cemetery in Ossian, Indiana. Memorial donations may be given to Emmanuel Lutheran Church or Humane Fort Wayne.