Benjamin Heckman

Benjamin J. Heckman, 81, of Chambersburg, PA, passed away peacefully, Tuesday evening, October 20, 2015 at his home. Born July 16, 1934 in Chambersburg, he was a son of the late Rumler J. and Eleanor Shimer Heckman. Ben was a 1952 graduate of the former Chambersburg High School and served in the US Navy from 1952-1955. He retired from Sprint in 1994. He was a member of the Chambersburg Church of the Brethren; Mt. Pisgah Lodge # 443 F&AM in Greencastle, and Harry Lackhove American Legion Post 517 in Mercersburg. He was a former member and Past President of both the Fulton County Chamber of Commerce and the Fulton County Medical Center Board of Directors. Ben loved to spend time with his family and enjoyed hunting, fishing, trapping, and spending time at the farm.

He is survived by his wife, Faye Stouffer Heckman, whom he married December 5, 1953; a daughter, Linda Cummings and husband Bradley; two sons, Joel Heckman and wife Susan and David Heckman and wife Jane, all of Chambersburg; four grandchildren, Nathan Cummings, Bill Carter, Nicole Yates, and Natalie Thornton; two step-grandchildren, Greg Deneen and Lannette Feathers; and numerous great and great-great-grandchildren. He is also survived by two sisters, Carol Slimmer of Chambersburg and Joyce Heckman of Fayetteville; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, James Heckman.

A viewing will be held from 6:00-8:00 PM Friday, October 23, 2015 at Thomas L. Geisel Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 333 Falling Spring Road, Chambersburg, PA. Family and friends are invited to attend a graveside service at 9:30 AM Saturday, October 24, 2015 at St. Thomas Cemetery where military honors will be conducted by members of the Fulton Honor Guard. A memorial service to celebrate Ben’s life will follow at 11:00 AM Saturday at Chambersburg Church of The Brethren, where Rev. Daniel House, Rev. Darlene Stouffer, and Rev. Harold Yeager will officiate. The family will receive friends immediately following the service at the church.

Memorial contributions may be made to Chambersburg Church of the Brethren, 260 South Fourth Street, Chambersburg, PA 17201 or to SpiriTrust Lutheran Home Care and Hospice, 2700 Luther Drive, Chambersburg, PA 17202.