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Willis H. Heckman, 90, of Allentown, passed away suddenly in Lehigh Valley Hospital – Cedar Crest, following a car accident on Saturday, January 11, 2020. He was the husband of the late Alice J. (Deifer) Heckman, who died in 2018.
Born in Allentown, he was the son of the late Willis T. and Marguerite (Kirschner) Heckman. Willis was a 1948 graduate of Allentown High School. He worked for many years as a shop steward and foreman in the printing business - starting with Miers-Bachman Printing Company for 40 years and later for GMA building inserting equipment for the newspapers for another 10 years before retiring. Willis came out of retirement to work for Super Fresh and Giant, totaling another 20 years and retired a second time at age 88.
Willis was active throughout his life in many sports. As a young man he was a caddy at Saucon Valley Country Club and was a caddy for pro Ralph Hutchinson. He enjoyed 36 years as a fast pitch softball pitcher (proudly pitching 5 no hitters), played basketball for 20 years (scoring 14 points in his last game before retirement), was a bowler for 40 years and loved to golf in his retirement.
Willis was an active member at North End Rod & Gun Club, President of the Lehman and Ohl Reunion, a volunteer Fireman for Pioneer Association and a member of the Firemen's Relief. He was also a member of St. Mark Evangelical Lutheran Church in Allentown. Willis and his wife enjoyed traveling - to Florida, Cancun, the Islands and family vacations to Wildwood annually since 1951.
Survivors: Daughters, Deborah J. Ghazi and her husband Sal of Bethlehem and Beverly A. Reddinger and her husband Ronald of Breinigsville; daughter-in-law, Gail Heckman of Whitehall; brother-in-law, Paul Deifer; sisters-in-law, Marcia Heckman, Betty Lutte and Anna Rose Wilkinson; 4 grandchildren, Steven Ghazi and his wife Tara and William Ghazi and his fiancé Shannon Campbell, Paul and Erica Heckman; 6 great-grandchildren, Christian, Kaitlyn, Ashley, Mark, Xander and Lucas. Willis was preceded in death by a son Willis H. Heckman, Jr., three sisters and one brother.
Services: Interment will be private. Arrangements are entrusted to the K.V. Knopp Funeral Home, Inc., Allentown.
Contributions: in lieu of flowers, may be made to the Allentown Firemen's Relief Association, 2235 S. 11th Street, Allentown, PA 18103.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by K.V. Knopp Funeral Home.
Willie was a great all around person who shared loved and made every1 feel welcome. You will be truly missed RIP
David Kline
Family
January 14, 2020
David Kline
Family
January 14, 2020
a loved one
January 14, 2020
May you all find Comfort and Strength in Sharing your memories of your dad and grandfather with family and friends during this difficult time
Our Deepest Sympathies, Tim and Michelle
Michelle Barndt
January 14, 2020
Willy and I played many rounds of golf at RICH MAIDEN GOLF COURSE over the years. We were looking forward to spring this year. He will be missed by all who knew him.
Bob LeVan
ROBERT LEVAN
January 13, 2020
Condolences to the family of WILLIS,
I bowled with him many years in the church league at the Rose bowl. He was one great guy. I haven't seen him for over twenty years because I moved to Las Vegas. I'm so sorry to see about his passing.
Carl Danweber
Carl Danweber
January 13, 2020
Dear Deb and Bev,
When I read the article about accident and saw your Dad's name, my heart broke into a millions pieces. How heartbroken you all must be. What an all around nice, sweet, gentle and personable man your Dad was. Your Mom and Dad were so good to me when I was young. And the cutest couple. Last time I saw your Dad was at the Giant, maybe 6 years ago, and he still remembered me. He was moving around like he was 50. He was definately a people person. That smile, what a kind soul. My heart is hurting for your family. God bless, and many hugs to you.
Love,
Deana Williams Held
Deana Held
January 13, 2020
To the Heckman Family -
Our sincere condolences to the family. Ron will always remember the golf games they enjoyed together and also working together at GMA.
Ron and Carol Kain
January 12, 2020
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