Fred Heathman

Frederick Junior 'Fred' Heathman was born on Monday, May 24, 1926, in LaHarpe, Kansas. He was the son of Frederick L. and Tena (Dow) Heathman. Fred grew up in LaHarpe, moving to Ottawa in 1943, in Franklin County, Kansas, where he made his home, until his death on Friday, February 3, 2006, at the age of seventy-nine years. Fred attended schools in LaHarpe, Kansas. He was a partner in Heathman Oil Co. from June of 1949 to retirement in June of 1989. Fred was first sworn in as a City Commissioner on April 20, 1983. He served as Mayor of Ottawa from April of 1987 to April of 1988, retiring from the City Commission on April 17, 1991, having dutifully served his community for eight years. Fred served in the United States Army from June 14, 1944, to April 22, 1949, during World War II. His tour of duty included the United Kingdom, France, Belgium, Germany, and Austria. He served in the Rhineland Campaign, Ardennes Campaign, and Central Europe Campaign, receiving decorations and citations including the EAMET Ribbon with three Bronze Service Stars, and Good Conduct Medal. He served in the infantry and as a military policeman, attaining the rank of Private First Class. He assisted in the enforcement of military laws and regulations, maintenance of order and control of traffic. His primary job was working with a radio patrol, patrolling various sections around Vienna, Austria. He was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church; Veterans of Foreign Wars Memorial Post #5901; and Ottawa/Williamsburg Wildlife Association. Fred was a hot rod enthusiast and had a great time participating in the Demolition Derby. He enjoyed bowling, the outdoors, hunting, fishing, and trap shooting. Fred's greatest enjoyment was spending time with his family playing card and board games. On June 15, 1952, Fred was united in marriage with Mildred L. Bitts in Ottawa, Kansas. She survives of their home. He is also survived by two sons, Brad and his wife, Barbara, of Ottawa, Bill of Cascade, ID; sister, Helen Patton of Newton; sister-in-law, Helen Heathman of Ottawa; grandson, Matthew Heathman of Ottawa; granddaughter, April Cox and her husband, James, of Fort Worth, TX; great-granddaughter, Katherine Cox of Fort Worth; three nieces, Jeannette Jury of Garland, TX, Barbara Zillner and her husband, Vince, of Prairie Village, KS, Janise Enterkin and her husband, Sam, of Sedgwick, KS; and three nephews, Dan Jury and his wife, Phyllis, of Ulysses, KS, Cecil Heathman of Overland Park, KS, Robert Patton and his wife, Joyce, of Columbia, MO. He is preceded in death by his parents; sister and brother-in-law, June and Claude Jury; two brothers, Eugene C. 'Tiny', and Edwin Heathman; and brother-in-law, Bob Patton. SERVICES: Funeral services will be held from the Dengel & Son Mortuary at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, February 6, 2006. Military Honors by Veterans of Foreign Wars Memorial Post #5901. Following services, Mr. Heathman will be cremated. IN STATE: Friends may pay their respects to Mr. Heathman at the Dengel & Son Mortuary after 1:00 p.m. Sunday to the service hour, where the family will meet with friends 2 to 3:00 Sunday afternoon. MEMORIALS: The family suggests memorials to Trinity United Methodist Church, Ottawa Church of the Nazarene, or V.F.W. Post #5901, c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067.