Donald Leo Heckethorn, 94, of Ottumwa passed away at 2:23 p.m. September 14, 2026 at River Valley Place in Ottumwa.
He was born July 30, 1932 in Wapello County to Carl E. and Alice Fern Scott Heckethorn. Donald married Juanita Kathleen Rupe October 20, 1951.
Growing up in Ottumwa, Don farmed in Davis County throughout his life. He worked at John Morrell & Co., for Courtney Shephard as a mechanic, a manager at the BP station on Jefferson St., and as a Millwright.
He and his wife enjoyed camping at Lake Rathbun as well as in California and many other states. They also enjoyed riding their motorcycle together.
Surviving is his wife, Juanita; their children, Pam Sevier of Ottumwa, Douglas (Lois) Heckethorn of Floris, Debra Gridley of Selma and Sam Heckethorn (Alex Lopez) of Des Moines; a daughter-in-law, Debbie Heckethorn of Des Moines; 12 grandchildren, Donald, Lesley, Sonya, Kristin, Angela, Ryan, Lisa, Dustin, Stacey, Katie, Joshua and Matthew; 35 great grandchildren; 10 great-great grandchildren; a brother, Kenneth Heckethorn of Ottumwa.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sons, Greg Heckethorn and Neal Heckethorn; a grandson, Wesley; brothers, Wayne Heckethorn, Ronald Heckethorn and Lane Heckethorn.
Visitation will be open at 11 a.m. Thursday September 17th at Reece Funeral Home. His family will be present to greet friends from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday followed by a service at 7 p.m. with Pastor Richard Schlotter officiating. Cremation will follow the service.
Memorials may be made to First Pentecostal Assembly of God for Missions.
