CLARE, Mich. – Stanley Parks Heckman, 87, Harrison, passed away May 7, 2015, surrounded by his family. He was born Oct. 1, 1927, in Warsaw, to Albert O. and Ruth M. Parks Heckman. On Feb. 7, 1949, at the United Brethren Church, Warsaw, he married Donna Jean Frush, daughter of Lloyd and Marie Frush, who survives in Harrison. They were married 67 years. He graduated from Warsaw High School in May 1945. He joined the U.S. Army in November 1945. He achieved the rank of Tech-5th in the armored division, and received an honorable discharge in May 1947. He spent several years working for Melencamps Furniture Store and Home Furniture Mart in Warsaw. After moving to Ypsilanti, Mich., in 1951, he began working for the Ford Motor Company. He worked his way up to the Process Engineering Division. After working there for 31 years, he retired on Nov. 1, 1982, and he and Donna moved to Lincoln, Mich. After eight years in Lincoln, they headed south and lived in Punta Gorda, Fla., for 24 years. Due to illness, he and Donna moved to Harrison in July 28, 2006, to be closer to their children. He was a member of the Clare United Methodist Church. He loved his Lord and served as an elder in his younger years. During his 87 years, he was involved in many organizations including Boy and Girl Scouts, Lions Club and Jaycees. He loved to plant in his numerous gardens, eat good food, go deer hunting, pick morel mushrooms, fish and work in the yard. He adored his wife and was a wonderful and devoted husband and father. He never met a stranger, and loved long conversations about the interest of the day. He loved to laugh and reminisce. Also surviving are a son, Mark Allen (and spouse Carmen) Heckman, Harrison; a daughter, Cathy Lynn Frederick, Clare; six grandchildren: Jason, Megan, Erica, Justin, Brandi and Rochelle; three great-grandchildren: Eli, Jayla and Deon; a niece, Debbie Sharp; and nephew, Rick Shriver. He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Michael Lee Heckman, who died Nov. 21, 1949; a brother, William Heckman; a sister, Francis M. Shriver; a brother-in-law, Charles Shriver; and a niece, Jody Shriver. Services will be Monday at Clare United Methodist church with Pastor John Kasper officiating. Cremation will follow the services with burial of cremains in Oakwood Cemetery, Warsaw. Calling is from 2 to 4 p.m. and from 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday at the Clare Chapel of Stephenson-Wyman Funeral Home, Clare. ***** Memorials to the American Cancer Society-Clare County or to the Clare United Methodist Church Youth Mission Fund. Condolences may be sent via www.stephenson-wyman.com
