Douglas E. Heckman

Douglas E. Heckman

Douglas E. Heckman, 83, of Lehigh Township, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025, in his home. He was the loving and devoted companion of Gail Chabak for many years.

Born in Palmerton, he was a son of the late Arlington and Mary M. (Kunkle) Heckman.

Doug was a 1959 graduate of Slatington High School and went on to serve our country honorably in the U.S. Navy.

After attending Barber Trade School, he worked at numerous local shops before opening "Doug Heckman's Barber and Styling Shop," which he owned until his retirement. In total, he proudly kept his community looking sharp for more than 50 years.

In his younger years, he was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church, Slatington. Most recently, he attended Bethany Wesleyan Church, Cherryville.

Doug was the longest tenured member of the Slatington Lions Club, with more than 50 years of dedicated service and record of perfect attendance. He was also a past president, held various committee chairs and was a Melvin Jones Award recipient.

Doug was also a member of the Slatington F. & A.M. Lodge No. 440 for more than 50 years and was a former Shriner. He was a life member of both the Emerald Fire Company and the Slatington Skeet Club.

Doug's memberships also included the Tin Can Sailors and the American Legion Post 16, Slatington. In addition, he was an avid golfer!

Surviving in addition to his loving companion, Gail, are a son, Darrin D. Heckman, and his wife, Carol, of Bath; step-grandchildren, Matthew Stirling, and his wife, and Irene, Rachel, and her spouse, L. Stirling; step-great-grandchildren, Skye, Russell and Griffith; a sister Marilee, wife of Carl Oplinger of Emmaus; and nieces, Anne Oplinger and Amy Oplinger Lewerenz, her husband Thomas, and their children, William and Meredith.

Services: Masonic service and memorial service 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 17, Harding Funeral Home, 25-27 N. Second St., Slatington. Visitation 10-11 a.m. Friday. Interment with military honors will follow at the Union Cemetery, Slatington. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his name may be made to the Slatington Public Library, 650 Main St., Slatington, PA 18080 or to the Slatington Lions Club, P.O. Box 196, Slatington, PA 18080.