Dennis Ray Heckler, 63, of Atwood, IL, passed away at 9:23 p.m. on Monday, March 23, 2009 at the St. Mary's Hospital, Decatur, IL

Funeral Services will be held at 10 a.m., Friday, March 27, 2009 at the Hilligoss Shrader Funeral Home, 66 East US Highway 36, Atwood, IL, with the Rev. Don Gerkin officiating. Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m., Thursday, March 26, 2009 at the funeral home. Burial will be in the Mackville Cemetery, Atwood, IL

Dennis was born on October 2, 1945 in Chicago, IL, the son of John J. and Thelma Ann Briscoe Heckler. He graduated from Atwood-Hammond High School. He married Sally S. Brandon on November 25, 1966 in Urbana, IL.

Dennis was the owner of Heckler Tom's Sales of Atwood for 35 years. He was an avid Illinois fan throughout his life and had many fond memories of tail-gating with friends in their Illinois "War Wagon." Always excited to be a Corvette owner, he started the Corvette Club of Illinois in 1970. As the Club's governor to the National Council of Corvette Clubs, he and Sally attended many of the national conventions with other club members. In 2006, members of the Club named him an Honorary Life Charter Member. Dennis was a Trustee for the Atwood Fire Protection District and previously served on the Atwood Economic Development Commission. Dennis enjoyed golfing and served as President of the Kaskaskia Country Club, where he scored his hole-in-one.

Dennis is survived by his Wife; Parents of Atwood, IL, 2 Sons: Brandon and wife: Amy of Tuscola, IL, Cameron of Peterson AFB, CO, Sister: Debby Reeder and husband: Kevin of Waukesha, WI, 6 Grandchildren: Kodi, Brandi, Kenzi, Alexis, Kayli and Blake and countless friends.

Memorials are suggested to the Heckler Family Memorial Fund.

Condolences to the family may be sent to hilligossshraderfh.com