Donald "Don" Clair Heckman

Donald “Don” Clair Heckman

Avid Outdoorsman and Wildlife Conservationist -

Donald “Don” Clair Heckman, age 69, of Camp Hill, lost his battle with cancer on Wednesday, May 18, 2016.  Don was born on Wednesday, August 21, 1946, in Lewistown, PA to the late Glenn W. Heckman and Dorothy K. (Knisely) Heckman Hainsey of Biglerville, PA.

Don’s survivors include his loving wife of 47 years, Sandra “Sandy” Jean (Maisano) Heckman; his two daughters: Tonya Krushinsky and her husband, Barry, of Hummelstown, Brenda Gossard and her husband, Robert, of Mechanicsburg; his step-grandson, Tyler Krushinsky of Hummelstown; his sister, Nancy Costella of Biglerville; and numerous family members who were close to his heart.  Don was a devoted son, husband, and father.

Don graduated from Biglerville High School as part of the class of 1964.  He retired from Electronic Data Systems in Camp Hill in 2007, after many years of service working as a project manager.  Don was a member of St. Paul’s United Church of Christ in Mechanicsburg.  He was an avid outdoorsman and wildlife conservationist who shared his love of the outdoors with many family and friends across the country.  Don’s generosity, dedication, and large spirit spilled into every part of his life.  He participated on boards and committees, and held various levels of membership in the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF), PA Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation (PANWTF), Michaux-Yellow Breeches Local Chapter PANWTF, PA Sportsmen’s Coalition, Mechanicsburg Sportsmen’s Club, National Rifle Association, PA Outdoor Writers Association, PA Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs, Ned Smith Center of Nature and Art, and the PA Forestry Association, among other wildlife conservation organizations.  Don served on the Governor’s Sportsmen’s Advisory Council from 1995 to 2003 and enjoyed working on conservation programs with the Pennsylvania Game Commission, especially the PANWTF Wild Turkey Management Program.  He received multiple awards and honors over the last 40 years, including the Wild Turkey Bourbon Rare Breed Society Award for Outstanding NWTF Volunteer Service, Roger M. Latham Sportsman’s Service Award, C.B. McLeod Distinguished Service Award, PANWTF Lifetime Achievement Award, and a Citation Award from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania House of Representatives for 25 years of service to Pennsylvania Wildlife Conservation, among others.

All are welcome to join Don’s family at his gathering of family and friends on Thursday, May 26, 2016, from 12:00 p.m. until time of service at 2:00 p.m. at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, 626 Williams Grove Road, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055; with Reverend John J. Ward-Diorio and Reverend Dr. Thomas E. Herrold officiating.  Don’s family invites everyone to join them for a time of food and fellowship at his church following the service.  Cremation was private.

Contributions in celebration of Don’s life can be made to PANWTF, c/o Jim Panaro, 224 Bucks Road, Ebensburg, PA 15931; or to Ned Smith Center for Nature and Art at P.O. Box 33, Millersburg, PA 17061.

Don’s family has entrusted his care to Myers – Buhrig Funeral Home and Crematory in Mechanicsburg, (717) 766-3421.  Read Don’s full obituary, view his memorial video and portrait, and sign his official guest book at www.Myers-Buhrig.com .