June 22, 1979 – April 24, 2023
Derek Lynn Heckman of Melbourne Beach, Florida passed away as the result of a motorcycle accident on April 24, 2023.

Derek was born in Hagerstown, Maryland and grew up near Mercersburg, Pennsylvania. He was the youngest son to Mike and Debbie Heckman, younger brother to Michael and brother-in- law to Rose Anne. He is also survived by the love of his life, and wife of 17 years, Shanan (Peck) and his children who he treasured so much, Kaiden (13) and Shay (11). He is preceded in death by paternal grandparents Richard M. and Betty J. Heckman and by maternal grandparents Kenneth M. and Anna May Evans.

There are also many surviving members of his extended family, married family and friends that are too numerous to mention by name, who were an important part of his life.

Derek deeply loved his family and always had an ability to easily connect with people and develop years-long friendships. He had a kind heart and was incredibly generous both to those who he knew as well as to those he may have just met. These qualities are why, while just 43 years old, Derek left an indelible impression on so many people.

Growing up in rural Pennsylvania, Derek loved the time he spent as a child working on his grandfather's dairy farm. He always enjoyed being with 'Pap' as they worked long days together during summers. With his brother and cousins close by for sports, games and many activities, Derek lived a full and active childhood and one that connected him to the outdoors, something he would enjoy his entire life.

At James Buchanan High School, he was a star basketball player, where he played with his brother and on a team in which his uncle Dick Heckman served as head coach and his father as assistant coach.

After graduating, Derek set south to Florida for a few years, which he fell in love with and solidified his passion of living near the water.

Derek returned from Florida in 2002 where he met and quickly fell in love with Shanan. Both always said it was love at first sight. They were later married on January 17, 2006 in a beautiful ceremony in Costa Rica.

Searching for a career, he decided to follow his mother's career in real estate. While his mother worked in residential real estate, he made the bold decision to launch into commercial real estate on his own, which turned out to be an outstanding decision. With no prior experience, he worked hard to learn the business and cultivate relationships, many of which he ended up holding throughout the entirety of his career. Derek's integrity and his people skills were the hallmarks of his business reputation. His success as a commercial real estate agent and dealmaker built and accelerated over the years and he earned numerous honors each year.
Some of them include:

Top Commercial RE/MAX Agent in the State of Maryland: 2015-2022
Top Commercial RE/MAX Agent in the Mid-Atlantic Region: 2018-2022
#9 Commercial RE/MAX Agent in the United States: 2019
#23 Commercial RE/MAX Agent in the World: 2019

After living in Maryland for nearly a decade, Derek and Shanan decided to relocate their family to Florida full time. They made this decision so they would be able to spend as much quality time with their children as possible. And they certainly did, with near-daily visits to the beach, camping trips, pool time, fishing and so much more. Derek always loved the peace and serenity of the water and the beach and wanted his family to feel it along with him.

He was always adventurous and enjoyed taking his family boating and exploring many parts of the country in their motorcoach, which allowed Kaiden and Shay to see the sights in person.
Derek thought it was important to see and experience things firsthand and he lived that example.

He leaves behind a family that cherishes all of the many memories that were created with him over his lifetime, and they are grateful for the many people who Derek had such a positive impact on and who all mourn him at this time.

A private service was held on Thursday, May 4 in Melbourne Beach. An additional Celebration of Life will be held in Hagerstown, Maryland, with a date to be announced at a later time.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests your consideration of a donation to Nana's Children's Home in Melbourne, FL. www.nanaschildrenshome.com

Online condolences may be shared at www.davisseawinds.com