Douglas E. Heckman

Douglas E. Heckman, 83, of Lehigh Township, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, October 9, 2025 in his home. He was the loving and devoted companion of Gail Chabak for many years.

Born in Palmerton, he was a son of the late Arlington and Mary M. (Kunkle) Heckman. Doug was a 1959 graduate of Slatington High School and went on to serve his country honorably in the U.S. Navy. After attending Barber Trade School, he worked at numerous local shops before opening “Doug Heckman’s Barber and Styling Shop” until his retirement. In total, he proudly kept his community looking sharp for more than 50 years. In his younger years, he was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Slatington. Most recently, he attended Bethany Wesleyan Church in Cherryville.

Doug was the longest tenured member of the Slatington Lions Club, with more than 50 years of dedicated service and record of perfect attendance. He was also a Past President, held various committee chairs and was a Melvin Jones Award recipient.

Doug was also a member of the Slatington F&AM Lodge #440 for more than 50 years and a former Shriner. He was a life member of both the Emerald Fire Company and the Skeet Club. Doug’s memberships also included the Tin Can Sailors and the American Legion Post 16. In addition, he was an avid golfer!

Survivors: His loving companion, Gail; son, Darrin D. Heckman and his wife Carol of Bath; step-grandchildren, Matthew Stirling and his wife Irene, Rachel and her spouse L. Stirling; step-great-grandchildren, Skye, Russell and Griffith. Doug is also survived by his sister, Marilee Oplinger and her husband Carl of Emmaus; nieces, Anne Oplinger and Amy Oplinger Lewerenz, her husband Thomas and their children William and Meredith.

Services: A Masonic service and memorial service will be held at 11 AM on Friday, October 17, 2025 in the Harding Funeral Home, Inc., 25-27 N. 2nd Street, Slatington. A visitation will be held from 10 AM until the time of the service. Interment with military honors will follow at Union Cemetery in Slatington.

Contributions: In lieu of flowers, may be made to the Slatington Public Library, 650 Main Street, Slatington, PA 18080 or to the Slatington Lions Club, PO Box 196, Slatington, PA 18080.