Lucas Robert Heppe

HOMER — Lucas (Luke) Robert Heppe, 41, passed away Monday, Jan. 7, 2019, in Treasure Island, Fla.

He was born Nov. 30, 1977, in Urbana, the son of George E. and Donna (Webb) Heppe. Luke grew up in Homer. As a child, he was a high-spirited and fun-loving daredevil with an impish grin. Luke was a natural athlete who dedicated himself to every sport he participated in. He graduated from Heritage High School in 1996 and went on to compete for the University of Illinois track and field team in high jump. He later transferred to Arizona State University’s track team where he graduated in 2001 with a degree in recreation and tourism management. 

After two years of working at an Arizona resort, he took his passion for playing guitar and moved back to Illinois to focus on writing and performing his own music. He spent the next several years performing and touring across the country as vocalist and guitarist for the band Seven Year Existence. Together, they recorded three albums of original music and captured a large fan base that allowed them to open for such legendary bands as Megadeth and Anthrax. For Luke, there was nothing better than being onstage performing music and the camaraderie he shared with those who had the same passion.  

After retiring from the band, Luke returned to his career in hospitality at the Courtyard Marriott in Champaign. There, he earned the reputation for going the extra mile for customers and co-workers and developed lasting friendships.

Everyone who met Luke knew right away that he loved the Chicago Cubs, Chicago Bears, Fighting Illini and metal music. During the last seven years, he became an uncle to five nieces and nephews, whom he loved and who equally adored him. He was always a fun uncle, and some of his happiest times were spent playing baseball, watching sports, vacationing, teaching them about music and just hanging out with each of them.

In January 2017, he traded in his shirt and tie for shorts and flip-flops and headed for the beaches of Treasure Island, Fla. Whether at work or play, the Florida sand and sunsets were well-fitted to the joy he found in living a carefree and happy life. His personal charm and free-spirited zeal for life was matched by his kindness, generosity and big heart. 

Luke’s loyalty and caring nature for others provided him with many cherished friendships. We will all miss that quiet and simply stated sense of humor that uniquely made him Luke. And, oh that smile …

Luke is survived by his father, George E. Heppe; mother, Donna (Webb) Heppe, of Homer; brother, Ryan (Amy Beth) Heppe of Los Angeles; and sister, Leah (Terrence) Wynne of Franklin, Tenn., who all came together at least once a year to enjoy special time as a family. Luke’s nieces and nephews who loved and will miss him are Audrey and Rhys Heppe; and Tanner, Kristen and Hannah Wynne.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Bill and Betty Webb of Leesburg, Fla., and George and Audrey Heppe of Homer.

A visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 16, at Morgan Memorial Home, 1304 Regency Drive West, Savoy. A celebration of life will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 17, at the same location with his cousin, Pastor William Cook, officiating. Burial will be in G.A.R. Cemetery, Homer.

Kirby Funeral Home, 708 S. Main St., Homer, is handling the arrangements.

With Luke’s love of children, memorial donations may be made in his name to Shriners Hospitals for Children (shrinershospitalsforchildren.org) or a charity of the donor’s choice.

NG January 14, 2019