Donald Ray Heckathorn

Donald Ray Heckathorn, 85, Denver, Indiana, passed away at 4:30 a.m. Saturday, July 15, 2017, at his residence.

Born December 23, 1931 in Peru, Indiana,  he was the son of Joe D. and Mabel K. Black Heckathorn.  On May 29, 1970, in Virginia, he was married to the former Edith Carol Ennis, who preceded in death on September 22, 2006.

Don was baptized into membership of the Mexico First Brethren Church and was a United States Army veteran.  He was a retired Superintendent for the Miami County Highway Department. Don was also a farmer with a great passion for horses.  He was well known for horse pulling and enjoyed many successes with his prize horses.

Survivors include three children, Gail France and husband Howard, Peru; David Heckathorn, Peru; and Terrie Armstrong and husband Wayne, Chili; one sister, Judy Driscoll and husband Mike, Peru; six grandchildren, Lee (Jaci) France, Macy; Brittney McElley, Colorado; Kaysey (Jeromy) Hileman, Perrysburg; Ryan Heckathron (companion, Chielsey Cloar), Peru; Trent Armstrong (companion, Liz Murphy), Richvalley; and Ashlee Armstrong, Chili; great-grandchildren, Madison, Makinzie, Calie, Harper, Colter, Easton, Emma, Austin, Owen, and Elsee.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, and two grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 19, 2017, at McClain Funeral Home, with Pastor Tom Robbins officiating.  Military rites will be presented at the funeral home prior to the service by the Miami County Military Rites Team.

Visitation will be from 2-7:00 p.m. on Wednesday at the funeral home.

The online guestbook can be signed at www.mcclainfh.com.  McClain Funeral Home, Denver, Indiana, has been entrusted with arrangements.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Denver Lions Club or any local horse pulling association.