Heichel

Clair Edward Heichel, 89, went home to be with the Lord on Friday at Saxony Health Home in Saxonburg.

He was most commonly known to friends and family as 'Hike' or 'Whitey.' Prior to moving to Saxony, Hike lived with his son, Raymond, and his family for one year. Hike also made his home for three years with his companion, Pat. He previously lived on Layton Drive in Butler.

Born Oct. 6, 1918, in Butler, he was the son of Henry Clair and Elizabeth Gold Heichel.

Hike served in the Army during World War II as a paratrooper with the 508th Parachute Infantry Division in Central Europe. He retired as a Turn Foreman from the Coil Warehouse at Armco in 1983, after 40 years.

Hike was Catholic by faith and was a member of St. Paul Church in Butler.

Hike enjoyed spending time with his family, including attending almost all activities that his grandchildren participated in. He also enjoyed taking photographs, golfing, bowling and spending time at Conneaut Lake.

He belonged to Armco Country Club, Moose Lodge, the American Legion, Elks Club, Armco Bowling League and the Husband and Wife League at Family Bowlaway.

Surviving are one daughter, Mrs. George (Carol) Hindman; two sons, Raymond C. (Judith) Heichel and Dennis J. (Linda) Heichel, all of Butler; eight grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, and one brother, Robert Heichel. In addition to his family, Hike is survived by his companion, Patricia Martin of Mars.

Hike was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Rose Marie (Stickles) Heichel, whom he married Feb. 1, 1941, who died March 15, 1993; one son, David Lee Heichel; one brother; and three sisters.

<B>HEICHEL</B> — Friends of Clair Edward Heichel, who died Friday, March 28, 2008, will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday at the <B>GEIBEL FUNERAL HOME</B>, 201 E. Cunningham St., Butler.A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Monday at St. Paul Roman Catholic Church, 128 N. McKean St., Butler. Interment will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Butler.St. Pauls Guild and Christian Mothers will meet at 9:35 a.m. Monday at the church to recite the Rosary.Information also is available at www.geibelfuneralhome.com.