CHESTER – Paul H. Hecht, 86, of Chester, passed away at 8:45 am, Friday, March 1, 2024, at Memorial Hospital in Chester.

Paul was born in Bremen, Illinois, on December 28, 1937, the son of Howard and Mary Moll Hecht. He married Joyce Runge on May 23, 1959 at Zion Lutheran Church, Walsh. Paul was retired from Chester Mental Health. He was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church, Chester. Paul loved birds and gardening.

Paul is survived by his wife, Joyce Hecht of Chester; children, Mike (Kim) Hecht of Chester, Jim Hecht of Chester, Russell (Joan) Hecht of Chester and Daniel (Dianne) Hecht of Chester; 6 grandchildren, Erin, Amanda, Megan, Jacey, Chasten and Sarah; and 5 great grandchildren, Alex, Jayden, Audrey, Manny and Evelyn.

Paul was preceded in death by his Parents; three brothers, Herbert, Clarence and Glen Hecht; and two sisters, Helen Korando and Elise Rickenberg.

Graveside service will be held on Saturday, March 16, 2024, at 11:00 am, at St. John's Lutheran Cemetery, Chester, with Rev. Timothy Sims officiating. Burial will follow. Those attending are asked to meet at the cemetery. Memorials may be given to St. John's Lutheran Church or St. Jude's Children's Hospital, and can be mail in c/o Wilson's Funeral Home, PO Box 217, Steeleville, IL 62288.