Earl R. Heckel, Jr., 78, died peacefully at his Penn TWP home on Tuesday, November 7, 2017. He was born in Lancaster to the late Earl R., Sr. and Beatrice Murse Heckel. Earl and his wife Barbara Folkeson Heckel celebrated 37 years of marriage on March 26th.

He graduated from Upper Leacock High School in 1957 and enjoyed attending the alumni reunions. Earl enlisted in the PA National Guard in 1955 and served until 1967, achieving the rank Sergeant.

Earl first worked for Henderson's Umbrella Factory, next for Tire Consultants in Ephrata and then drove truck for Kerek Air Freight for 32 years. He then worked for Burnham Boiler and lastly ran the shipping department at K&M Manufacturing.

He was a member of Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, American National Cane Club, National Wood Carvers Association and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters. He enjoyed reading, woodcarving and woodworking, telling tall tales and joking.

In addition to his loving wife Barbara, Earl is survived by four children, twin daughters, Debra, wife of James Vaccaro of Lititz and Diana, wife of Daniel Perich of Lititz, Kathleen, wife of Steve Brown of York and Matthew Heckel of Coatesville; several grandchildren and one great-grandson; seven siblings, Joyce Kelley, Ron Heckel, Sr., husband of Peggy, Lorrain Heckel, Carol, wife of Mel Jacoby, John Heckel husband of Paula, Scott Heckel, husband of Judy and Cheryn, wife of Brian Woerth; and his former wife Rose Miller Heckel and his standard poodle "EB". Earl was preceded in death by his son Earl R. Heckel, III on June 16, 2017.

Service and interment will be private. Memorial contributions may be made to the Kidney Foundation of Central PA, 900 S. Arlington Ave., Suite 134A, Harrisburg, PA 17109.