Stephen "Steve" Hecox

Stephen (Steve) David Hecox, age 78 and lifelong resident of Gothenburg, passed away on Friday, September 29, 2023 at his home with his family by his side. He was born on April 6, 1945 in Grand Island, NE.  He was the middle of three children born to Richard and Esther (Davis) Hecox.  He was raised and began his educational career in Gothenburg, and graduated from Brady Public School with the class of 1963.   

He joined the Army Reserves in North Platte, then transferred to the Hastings Unit when he pursued an education in carpentry at the Community College in Hastings.  His Reserve Unit was deployed to Vietnam, where he proudly served from May of 1968 until he was Honorably Discharged in July of 1969.  Steve blessed us with many stories of his adventures in Vietnam, and we are thankful he took pictures and videos to enjoy, too. He was honored to serve in the Army and loved to share his love for the USA!

He married Patricia (Patty) Bacon on December 28, 1969 at Banner United Methodist Church.  To this union, four children were born: Bryan Keith, Barbra Kaye, Brooke Kathleen, and Brenda Kit.  After the “BK’s” got married, Steve was blessed with two sons-in-law, a daughter-in-law, and seven grandchildren.  

Steve spent his professional career in construction/carpentry, the hay business, farming, and driving trucks for Nebraska Salt & Grain and Paulsen’s, Inc.  Health reasons forced him to retire in 2015. Since then, he enjoyed traveling on his motorcycle and in his Corvettes, and relaxing in the big yellow house south of town. 

Steve was a Master Mason, and due to his involvement with this fraternal organization in the 1980s, he was awarded Nebraska’s highest civic honor when the Governor named him Admiral in the Great Navy of the State of Nebraska; Past Bethel Associate Guardian for Job’s Daughters; Antelope Livestock 4-H leader and council member for Dawson County 4-H; and a member of the following groups: Gothenburg Volunteer Fire Department, Order of the Eastern Star, NRA, Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, and Honor Guard.  He was a lifelong member of Banner United Methodist Church.  

Steve is survived by his children, Bryan (Michelle) Hecox of rural Brady, Barb (Jason) Jones of Omaha, and Brenda (Andy) Cochran of Grand Island; seven grandchildren, Kaitlyn & Kamron Hecox, Lauren & Alex Jones, and Braden, Aubree, & Carlyn Cochran; brother Dick (Connie) Hecox of Brighton, CO and sister Penny (Bill) Fattig of rural Gothenburg; many nieces and nephews; the Bacon Family who always included Steve in family events; and lifelong friends, especially those in the Banner Community.  

Steve was preceded in death by his parents, his daughter Brooke, and ex-wife Patty.

Visitation will be held at Blase-Strauser Memorial Chapel, Gothenburg, Nebraska; Wednesday, October 4, 2023, 1:00 pm - 7:00 pm with the family present from 4:00-6:00 pm.

Services will be held at Banner Church, October 5, 2023 at 10:30 am with Pastors Janie Freeman and Robert Litzenberger officiating. The family invites you to wear red, white, and blue or military-themed clothing to honor Steve’s military service and love for his country. 
  
Burial, with military honors, will be in the Peckham Cemetery following the church service.

The Stephen Hecox family would like to express their appreciation to Dr. Aaron & Niki Salomon, Central Plains Home Health & Hospice, and Home Instead for the wonderful care provided over the past few months. We are eternally grateful for the medical expertise, support, and comfort they provided. 

Memorials may be given to the family to be established at a later date.