Robert Roy Hecker

ROBERT ROY HECKER

Robert Roy Hecker was born in Olmsted Falls on July 29, 1925. He has lived in the area his entire life except for the time he served in the Navy during World War II and when he played professional football. His home was three houses north of the Village Green, on the east side of Columbia Road - 7609 Columbia Road.

Bob’s father (1891-1983) was born in New Jersey. He later lived on a farm in Olmsted Falls. At the time, it would take two days for a horse and wagon to travel from Mayfield to Olmsted Falls, (maybe we will have a little more patience the next time we’re in a traffic jam). “Pop” Hecker met Hazel Melvina Lamb from the North Olmsted area . They married after a courtship of dancing, playing cards, and fishing. He was a Standard Oil service station station manager at the corner of Columbia Road and Bagley Road. Roy and Hazel enjoyed living by the Village Green - raising their family - Bob, Norb, Carol, and Jack. Everyone enjoyed hearing “Pop” play the piano and organ. “Mom” Hecker (1904-1990) was an excellent cook and shared with many.

Bob played games at the Village Green - kick the can, softball, capture the flag, and football with his neighborhood friends. The town was small and everyone knew each other. Bob remembers ice skating on a pond on Division Street (Mapleway Drive.

Once Olmsted Falls had a terrible ice and snow storm (early 1950’s) The entire village was shut down. It was possible to cross country ski on the streets.

The family walked to school - rain or shine. On cold days they stopped at the railroad depot to warm up by the coal stove. Bob attended all twelve grades at the old middle school on Bagley Road, now (2010) Olmsted Falls City Hall . The football field was close by. Everyone stood on the sidelines and cheered. There were no bleachers or stands. The old town hall was a gathering place for social activities. It was torn down in the late 1920’s to make room for the Bonsey Building and fire department station. It is now the Moosehead Hoof and Ladder Restaurant (2010).

Their family entertainment was radio. His favorite programs included Jack Armstrong -the All American Boy, The Lone Ranger, Hit Parade, and Jack Benny. Television' wasn’t invented yet. Bob’s friends often “hung out” at Maynard’s Drug Store for a malted milk shake at the soda fountain (15 cents).

One of the functions in high school was the Saturday night dance held in the gym. They danced the “Jitterbug” to a live band. Cokes were five cents. They often hitch hiked to Berea to watch a 25 cent movie. Tom Mix was a favorite. Bob and his friends were on the Volunteer Fire Department. They ran to the fire station when they heard the siren. They would jump on the fire truck.

Bob’s football career started at Olmsted Falls High School. He participated in football, basketball, and track. In ONE game Bob scored SEVEN touchdowns against Strongsville. He held the long jump record - 21’ 5" for a number of years - until his record was broken by his son Don in 1978 (22’ 1”) Bob and his 35 classmates graduated in 1943. Five days later he was a student at Ohio State and played for the 1943 Buckeyes. He was drafted in the Navy during World War II. While in the Navy he played football at Wisconsin.

During World War II Bob served as a radioman on the USS RAYMOND (DE-341). DE stands for destroyer escort. She sailed from San Francisco and was sent all over the Pacific - Hawaii, Guam, and other islands. The ship once sailed through a typhoon that had 100 foot waves. The men had to walk on the sides of the ship. The RAYMOND performed anti-submarine duties and rescue work. USS RAYMOND earned five battle stars.

After serving in the Navy, the GI Bill helped him attend Baldwin Wallace College where he continued to play football. He set the school record for most touchdowns in a season. He earned the nickname “MR. FIRST DOWN” by having a 10.3 (that’s no typo! 10.3) yards per carry. He graduated in 1950.

Bob “Heck” went on to play in the National Football League with the Los Angeles Rams (1952-1953). The team had moved from Cleveland. Bob was an insurance agent and financial planner with Massachusetts Mutual.

Bob met his future bride after returning to Olmsted Falls after the war. Shirley Brookins was teaching art in Berea and she always stopped for gas at the Sohio Station when she would see Bob working at the gas pumps. In those days, they would fill the tank, check the battery, and wash the windows. Sometimes her tank would be full but she would stop to see him.

Bob and Shirley married in 1955. They settled in Olmsted Falls where they enjoyed family life. Their children attended Olmsted Falls Schools : Darci (Class of 1974), Dave (Class of 1976), Don (Class of 1978). They continued the Hecker Family love of sports. Darci was on the Drill Team and later in a triathalon with her mother. Dave played football and moved to Florida and became a bicyclist, Don was on the track team and later served on the school board.

Bob and Shirley have traveled the world: three trips to Europe, almost every State, and have spent many winter months on Anna Marie Island in Florida. Skiing with the family in Ellicottville, New York was special.

They have started a running group in Olmsted - “The Pacers”. Bob and Shirley have run in many races, including three Marathons in Cleveland, Hawaii, and Columbus.

They continue to ride their bicycles around town. Shirl spends time in her craft room enjoying woodcarving, painting, and sketching scenes from the area.

Among Bob’s many accomplishments are:

Olmsted Falls High School Hall of Fame. His brothers , Norb and Jack, are also members. Their sister, Carol, encouraged each of her brothers by her loyal and dedicated support.

Baldwin Wallace Hall of Fame.

Shaker Heights Golf Club Father-Daughter Champions, 1986.

Olmsted Community Church Sunday School Superintendent.

Olmsted Falls Councilman for six years.

Stephen’s Ministry with Olmsted Community Church.

Christians in Action.

Kiwanis President, 1976, Member 40 years.

Volunteer at Southwest Hospital, driving the van for therapy patients for twenty years.

Bill Hecker, Bob’s cousin, built their present home at 8316 Metropolitan Boulevard in 1963. They love the friendly neighborhood - and they have learned to relax as the trains roll by or stop at the crossings. Their 55 year marriage has been a blessing. It has lasted because Bob was always right and Shirley was never wrong. As the world gets faster, they enjoy slowing down and relaxing with family and friends. Bob and Shirley enjoy their seven grandchildren - Lee and Mark Spilman (South Russell), Adam, Annie, and Sophie Hecker (Florida), Jon and Carly Hecker (Olmsted Falls). Bob and Shirley are still going strong - but slowing down a little. Their favorite Bible verse is:

This is the Day the Lord has made, Let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24.

Mr. and Mrs. Hecker, Bravo Zulu.

WME 12-31-2010