Ray L. Heckathorn

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Husband Ray L. Heckathorn ¹

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           Born: 6 Nov 1918 1
     Christened: 
           Died: 26 Nov 1943 - Italy 1
         Buried: 

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         Father: John Charles Heckathorn (1875-1959) 2
         Mother: Dora Belle McMillan (1878-1972) 2

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Wife

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           Born: 
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Children

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General Notes: Husband - Ray L. Heckathorn

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TRIBUTE PAID GROVE SOLDIER KILLED IN WAR
RAY L. HECKATHORNE
Death was presented as an experience of life--a triumphant victory--by Rev. W. B. McAlpin in a well-ordered memorial service in honor of Corp. Ray L. Heckathorne, son of Mr. and Mrs. John C. Heckathorne, 608 McCalmont Street, who was killed in action in Italy on Nov. 26, 1943.
The Rocky Grove Avenue Presbyterian Church of which the young soldier was a member, was filled with friends and relatives Sunday evening assembled in loving tribute to his memory.
Miss Isabelle Huston played appropriate piano numbers as the congregation assembled and "The Star Spangled Banner" as the colors were presented. A delegation was present from the "40 and 8" of the First World War, with James P. Hindman as color bearer and H.L. Buchanan as color guard. As the colors were retired at the close of the service John Hindman sounded taps.
Large baskets of flowers banked the pulpit and an enlargement of the picture, shown here, held a prominent place amidst the floral tributes.
In his prayer Rev. McAlpin expressed appreciation for the hope of immortality that is the Christian's confidence. He recited Psalm 23 and several passages of comforting Scripture and such hymns and poems as "Under His Wings," "Still, Still With Thee" and "There is No Death." Rev. McAlpin gave a brief eulogy of the young soldier, who had paid the highest price possible in defense of his ideals. He spoke of him as a personal friend. He knew him as a gentle, kindly and personable young man, whom it was a delight to know for his faithfulness to what he knew to be right and who bore his responsibilities well.
"Life does not go from less to less but increases from more to more," Rev. McAlpin declared, showing how the finishing of one thing means only the beginning of something else. Christ's word on the cross, "It is finished," were words of triumphant victory, the speaker stated, thus showing death as opening a whole new way of life. "Life is now truly and really beginning in a fine new way."
Among relatives from out of the city in attendance at the service were Mrs. Margaret Burke, Mr. and Mrs. Paul Burke, Mr. and Mrs. Donald Ace and children, Lisbon; Mr. and Mrs. Oscar Exley, Dempseytown; Mr. and Mrs. Glenn Spangler, Sunville; Mrs. Mary Alice Ware, Titusville; Ray McMillin, Kennerdell.

Blizzard Mon., Jan. 24, 1944, pg. 2
CPL. RAY L. HECKATHORN
A largely attended memorial service was held at the Rocky Grove Presbyterian Church last night for Corporal Ray L. Heckathorn, who was killed Nov. 26, 1943 in action in Italy.
He was a son of Mr. and Mrs. John C. Heckathorn of 608 McCalmont St., Rocky Grove and had been in the service since August 1941.
Rev. William B. McAlpin, pastor of the church, officiated at the services during which he read two hymns and a poem and delivered a touching eulogy. Relatives and friends of the soldier filled the church.
According to word received here, Cpl. Heckathorn was killed while leading a reconnaisance squad just after the Americans had effected a crossing of the Volturno River in Italy. He had participated in both the invasion of Sicily and Italy.
His family has received letters of sympathy from the Secretary of War, the Adjutant General and General Marshall. They have also received the certificate of the Purple Heart awarded to Cpl. Heckathorn.

1 Willard C. Heckathorn, The Heckathorn Family of Venango County, PA (Franklin, PA: Self-Published, 1987), Pg 62.

2 Willard C. Heckathorn, The Heckathorn Family of Venango County, PA (Franklin, PA: Self-Published, 1987), Pg 4.