Greg Hecht

Greg Hecht, 56, passed away Sunday, July 12, 2026, at his home in Jackson, surrounded by the love of his family, leaving behind a legacy of courage, kindness, and unwavering devotion to those he loved most.

He was born September 1, 1969, in Alton, Illinois, to Robert “Bob” and Charlotte Saupe Hecht. He was confirmed at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Altenburg, Missouri, and was a 1987 graduate of Perryville High School. He and Julie Holler were married March 13, 1993, at the United Methodist Church in Perryville. He was currently a member of New McKendree United Methodist Church in Jackson.

Greg earned a master’s degree in fire executive leadership and human resources. Greg dedicated his life to serving others through a distinguished career in the fire service. As a firefighter/ paramedic, he answered the call with compassion, integrity, and selflessness, earning the respect and admiration of his colleagues and the community he served. His commitment to protecting others was not simply his profession—it was a reflection of the man he was.

Above all else, Greg was a devoted husband and father. For 33 wonderful years, he shared a loving marriage with his wife, Julie. Together they built a life filled with laughter, partnership, and countless cherished memories. In recent years, they found great joy in exploring America's national parks, creating new adventures together and eagerly planning many more. They had several parks on their itinerary for this summer and looked forward to many journeys still to come.

Greg's greatest pride was his two sons, Grant and Adam. He loved them beyond measure and never missed an opportunity to remind them how deeply they were loved. He encouraged them to pursue their dreams, to strive to become the best versions of themselves, and to face life with confidence and integrity. Whether their paths led them close to home or far away, Greg was always their biggest supporter, cheering them on with pride and unconditional love.

Greg will be remembered for his strength, generous spirit, quiet wisdom, and steadfast love for his family. His presence brought comfort, encouragement, and laughter to those around him. Though his absence leaves an immeasurable void, the lessons he taught, the love he shared, and the example he set will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

To cherish his memory, he leave his wife of 33 years, Julie Hecht of Jackson; sons, Adam Hecht and Grant Hecht (partner, Shirley Wu); siblings: Michelle (Neal) Franke of Altenburg; Mike (Mary Kay) Hecht of Fruitland; and Dan (Jennifer) Hecht of Jackson; nephews, Noah (Marissa) Franke and Evan Hecht; nieces: Allison (Cody) Hadler; Taylor B. (Taylor) Johnson; Logan (Dustin) Hargus; Lauren (Trent) Steffens; Jordan (Tommy) Ferrara; and Erin Hecht; paternal aunts, Carol (late Roy) Henderson and Karen (Doug) Woltenmath; and maternal aunt, Doris (Mel) Schmidt.

Julie’s surviving family includes her brother, Gary (Carrie) Holler of Newton, Kansas; and nieces, Abbie (Evan) Shanelec and Emilie Holler (partner, Cortney Laughlin).

He was preceded in death by his parents, and Julie’s parents, H. L. and Martha Sebaugh Holler.

Memorial arrangements are at Cape Bible Chapel in Cape Girardeau as follows:

A memorial visitation will be held from 4:00 to 7:30 p.m., Friday, July 17, 2026, at Cape Bible Chapel in Cape Girardeau. At 10:00 a.m., Saturday, July 18, the church doors will open so guests can be seated for the 11:00 a.m. life celebration service conducted by the Rev. Joshua Stephens. At the conclusion of the service, guests are invited to observe fireman’s honors and final call at the end of the service. Inurnment is private at Sargents Chapel Cemetery between Daisy and Sedgewickville.

If considering a memorial contribution, the family suggests Supporting Heros, Inc. Its mission is responding to line-of-duty deaths of first responders in Indiana, Kentucky, and Missouri, OR Crown Hospice.

Arrangements by McCombs Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Jackson.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by scrolling to the guestbook beneath Greg’s obituary article at mccombsfunealhome.com.