Obituary: Francis V. Heckaman

Francis V. Heckaman (1923 – 2017)

Francis V. Heckaman, age 94, born in Norvell Township, Jackson County on February 21, 1923; son of Oral and Nina (Berkeypile) Heckaman died April 22, 2017 at home.

Francis was a World War II Veteran, serving in the USCG Merchant Marines in the Atlantic and Mediterranean. On his birthday in 1986, after 28 years of employment, Francis retired from Double A Products in Manchester. He was a member of the Emanuel United Church of Christ, Manchester American Legion Post 117 and Manchester and Pittsfield Township Senior Citizens. For many years he also volunteered on the Manchester Township Fire Department. In the early 1960’s he built and started the Dairy Queen location on the River Raisin where we all enjoy it today. Francis was an avid euchre player who loved spending time with his family.

Francis was preceded in death by his first wife Lois K. (Ahrens) Heckaman and wife Vivian (Middlemiss) Heckaman. The last of twelve children he was also preceded by his seven brothers; Herschel, Carl, Donald, Kenneth, Eugene, Donavon and Jackie and four sisters; Helen Snyder, Georgia Charles, Gertrude Smith and Alice Whisman. His Son-in-law Delmar Hertler and stepchildren, Bradley Shankland and Julie Gillen.

He is survived by his wife, Margret (Hurley-Shankland) Heckaman, his daughter, Bonnie (Heckaman) Hertler, and stepchildren, Tom (Terri) Shankland, Chris Shankland and Marty Shankland. He leaves behind 13 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.

Visitation was held at the Borek Jennings-Jenter Chapel on Wednesday, April 26. The farewell service was held on Thursday, April 27 at Emanuel United Church of Christ with Dr. David Williams officiating. Interment followed at the Oak Grove Cemetery in Manchester.

Memorials may be given to Emanuel United Church of Christ or Manchester Area Senior Citizens Council. Please leave a message of comfort for the Heckaman family at 1-877-231-7900, or sign his guestbook at www.borekjennings.com.

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by Sara Swanson

Sara Swanson is an editor, writer and founder of the Manchester Mirror.