Fred Heckathorn, age 85 of Celina, passed away on Wednesday, August 16, 2023 at his residence in Celina.

He was born on October 1, 1937 to the late Kenneth D. and Mary Jane (Greenwald) Heckathorn in Logansport, Indiana. On June 6, 1959, he married Merlee Sue Smoker who survives in Celina.

He is also survived by his children Robin (Kenneth) Hawkey of Louisburg, N.C., Traci Heckathorn of Van Wert, Penny (Tom) Abner of Celina, Kendra (Dacia) Turner of Gulf Breeze, F.L., nine grandchildren, eleven great grandchildren, sister and brother-in-law Penny (Dave) Scott of Clearwater, F.L., and brother and sister-in-law Jerry (Rhonda) Heckathorn of Rochester, I.N.

He is preceded in death by his parents, an infant son, son Brent Heckathorn, and sister-in-law Maxine Heckathorn.

Fred proudly served his country in the United States National Guard and was honorably discharged in 1969. He was a jack of all trades, owning and operating Nickel Hardware and Sears Roebuck in Celina, Grand Lake Auto Sales, and owned and managed many rental units, with his wife by his side for 64 years. He was a church trustee for the Grand Lake United Methodist Church and was very active with Cheryl Ann Schools. He was an avid fisherman and enjoyed camping.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Monday, August 21, 2023 at the Lehman Dzendzel Funeral Home, with Rev. Matt Overman officiating. Burial will follow in the North Grove Cemetery. Military Honors will be provided by the Celina American Legion Post #210 and the Celina V.F.W. Post #5713.

Friends and family may call from 4:00 P.M. - 6:00 P.M. on Sunday, August 20, 2023 and an hour before services on Monday at the Lehman Dzendzel Funeral Home.

Memorial contributions may be made out to Grand Lake Hospice 1122 E. Spring St., St. Marys, Ohio 45885 or the Grand Lake United Methodist Church 119 E. Fulton St., Celina, Ohio 45822.

Condolences may be shared with the Heckathorn family online at LehmanDzendzelFH.com.