Willard C. Heckathorn, 91, of Franklin, and a lifelong resident of Venango County, died Tuesday afternoon, May 30, 2017 at the Wesbury Retirement Community in Meadville. 

                He was born September 17, 1925 in Sharon, Mercer County, to the late Willard C. and Cecile (Hartsell) Heckathorn. 

                He was a Titusville High School graduate and then served in the Merchant Marine and the U.S. Army.

                He was a fifty year member of Cranberry United Methodist Church. 

                Mr. Heckathorn enjoyed archery for many years at several local archery clubs.

                 Willard was an avid collector of many things; and in recent years, enjoyed researching family genealogy. 

                Mr. Heckathorn was employed as a quality control inspector and a foreman with J&L Steel (later Van Huffel Steel) in Oil City for thirty-eight years, retiring in 1984. 

                He was married in Grace United Methodist Church, Oil City, on March 12, 1949 to the former Dorothy Belle Shaw, who survives.

                Also surviving are three sons:  Bob Heckathorn and his wife Maggie of Punta Gorda, Florida, Alan Heckathorn of Franklin, and Jim Heckathorn and his wife Ruth of Inman, South Carolina; three granddaughters: Jessie Miller and her husband Jake of Franklin, Rebecca Mack and her husband Kirby of Campobello, South Carolina, and Christina Vance and her husband Will of Charlotte, North Carolina; four great-grandchildren:  Mia, Jude, Lance, and Jesse; and one great-great granddaughter, Autumn.  He is also survived by a sister, Rita Abbott and her husband Lyle of Mesa, Arizona; and numerous nieces and nephews.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Harold and Gerald Heckathorn.                 

                Friends will be received Saturday (June 3rd) from 1 - 2 p.m. in the Cranberry United Methodist Church, 7212 Rte. 322 in Cranberry, where the funeral service will follow Saturday at 2 p.m.   The Rev. James Kimmel, church pastor, and Rev. Dr. Lloyd Shaw, will officiate. 

                Interment will follow in Brandon Cemetery in Cranberry, where full military honors will be accorded by the V.E.T.S. Honor Guard. 

                Memorial contributions may be made to the Cranberry United Methodist Church, 7212 US 322, Cranberry, PA  16319.

                Funeral arrangements are being completed by the Hile-Best Funeral Home in Seneca, Cranberry Township, and online condolences may be expressed to Willard's family by visiting www.hilebest.com

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