Clifford W. Heckathorn

Clifford W. "Cliff" Heckathorn, 90, Topeka, Ks, passed away on Tuesday, June 7, 2016 at Midland Hospice after losing his battle with cancer. Cliff was born October 4, 1925 in Emporia, Ks to Clark L. and Hazel E. Heckathorn. He was number three in a family of seven children—four boys and three girls. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, and one sister.

Cliff lived his early life in Emporia, graduating from Emporia High School in 1943. After his graduation from high school, he enlisted in the Navy and spent two years as a Naval Air Cadet. Upon receiving his discharge, he enrolled at Kansas State University, Manhattan, Ks in the school of Engineering and received a B.S. degree in Civil Engineering in 1951.
While attending college, he met his wife Mary Lou Thompson and they were married July 31, 1949, sixty-six years ago.

In June of 1948, he started working for the State Highway Commission (now KDOT) in Wamego, Ks as an Engineering Aide. He worked summers and part-time for the next three years while continuing to study for his degree. He received his Professional Engineer license the summer of 1951. He was proud to be an engineer, was active in and earned his lifetime membership in the Kansas and National Society of Professional Engineers. He retired from KDOT in 1987, after almost forty years of service as the Assistant Chief of the Bureau of Materials and Research. After retiring from KDOT, he worked five years with the Kansas Asphalt Pavement Association.

Cliff was an active member of the Arab Shriners, Topeka Scottish Rite and a sixty-five year member of the Masonic Lodge in Manhattan, Ks. For the past 51 years, Cliff was a member of Countryside United Methodist Church and held numerous positions.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Lou, Topeka, a son, Kevin, Topeka, and a daughter, Karen (Greg) Barron, Alma, three granddaughters, Shawnee Barron, Eudora, Cheyenne Barron, McCall, Idaho, and Sierra Barron, Mclouth, a sister, Rae Hartenberger, Fredericktown, Mo, a brother, Dale (Peggy) Heckathorn, Kingman, Az, a sister, Edythe (Bob) Griffiths, Mesa, Az, and a number of cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Cliff enjoyed life, family, friends, K-State Football and traveling. He and Mary Lou traveled to most of the United States and to many other countries. His favorite was a trip to the Holy Land in 1994.

Memorial services will be held 10 a.m., Saturday, June 11, 2016 at Countryside United Methodist Church. Penwell-Gabel Southwest Chapel is assisting the family. Inurnment will be held at a later date in a private family service.

Memorial contributions may be sent to Midland Care (Hospice), 200 SW Frazier Circle, Topeka, KS 66606 or Shriner's Hospital Travel Fund, 1305 S Kansas Ave, Topeka, KS 66612 or Kansas State University Foundation - Engineering Department, 1800 Kimball Ave, Ste 200, Manhattan, KS 66502 or Countryside United Methodist Church, 3221 SW Burlingame Rd, Topeka, KS 66611.

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