Donald Heckert
June 8, 1933 - August 16, 2024
Donald Heckert age 91 died August 16, 2024 at his home in Van Tassel, Wyoming. Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, September 28, 2024 at Prairie Hills Community Center in Lusk, Wyoming.
Donald (Donnie) Wayne Heckert was born June 8, 1933 in Lusk, Wyoming the oldest of five children born to Wayne E. and Florence (Hanson) Heckert. He spent the majority of his youth helping his grandfather and Uncle Frank Hanson on the family ranch in Van Tassell, Wyoming. Donnie attended schools in Lusk and Douglas, Wyoming. He graduated from Converse County High School in Douglas, Wyoming in 1951. At this time, he chose to move to the family ranch in Van Tassell, WY and worked for his grandfather John and Uncle Frank Hanson
He spent two years in the Army stationed in Chicago, Illinois attached to anti-aircraft radar company and South Korea attached to a survey unit. Upon his discharge, he returned to the family ranch and continued to help his grandfather and uncle. Donnie would often say he never wanted to go anywhere or do anything else but return to the ranch. He inherited the ranch when his uncle Frank Hanson passed away in 1991
Donnie married Garnet (Erlewine/Myrup) on March 2, 1962 and raised their daughters Terry Davis and Donna Lloyd on the family ranch. Donnie resided there until 2015,
Donnie was a 4-H Leader when his daughters were young. He enjoyed participating in community activities such as brandings, square dancing and community card parties. Donnie served as Commander of the American Legion Post No. 1 and VFW Post No. 3511. He was an active member of both the American Legion and VFW until his wife died in 2017. Donnie was inducted into the Wyoming Cowboy Hall of Fame in 2020
Donnie was a strong believer in God, Family and Country.
He is survived by his sister Alice Gorsuch of Douglas, Wyoming, two daughters Terry Davis and Donna Lloyd of Van Tassell, Wyoming, Grandchildren Tyler Davis, Desiree Trout, Kristopher Lloyd and Amanda Lloyd. Great grandchildren Kody and Kacey Trout, Peyton Davis, Braelyn Lloyd and Ellie Lloyd as well as two great-great granddaughters’ numerous nieces and nephews
He was preceded in death by his wife Garnet, parents Florence and Wayne Heckert, an infant sister Betty, his twin Howard and brother Charles.
Memorials established to the VFW Post #3511 or American Legion Post #1.
Pier Funeral Home in Lusk is in charge of the funeral arrangements.
