Donald Franklin Heckman, 83, of Dixon, died Saturday, December 1, 2012, at Katherine Shaw Bethea Hospital, Dixon. He was a welder at Etnyre in Oregon for 28 years prior to his retirement.

Donald was born November 26, 1929, in Lanark, IL, the son of Frank and Zella (Bowers) Heckman. He married Barbara Ellinger on June 24, 1950, in Park Ridge.

Survivors include his wife, Barbara Heckman of Dixon; one son, David Heckman of Polo; one daughter, Lori (Gary) Strong of Shannon; two brothers, Ron (Mary) Heckman, John (Donna) Heckman; one sister, Patsy (Jerry) Witt; eight grandchildren; and seven great grandchildren.

Donald was preceded in death by his parents; and one daughter, Julie Shenefelt; and his sister and brother-in-law, Phyllis and Fred Miller.

Visitation will be from 1 – 2:00 p.m., Saturday, December 8, 2012, at Preston-Schilling Funeral Home, Dixon, followed by a 2:00 p.m., memorial service at the funeral home. Cremation rites have been accorded.

A memorial has been established to Home of Hope.