Arthur Sherman Heckard was promoted to Glory on January 28, 2013, at the Grand Rapids Veterans' Home surrounded by family and love. He was born June 20, 1918 in Entrican (Montcalm County,) Michigan, to James G. Heckard and Hazel I. Combs Heckard. His mother, Hazel, succumbed about 10 days after his birth. Arthur graduated in 1939 from Edmore High School. He was a farmer in Rolland and Fremont Twp, Isabella County, MI, until he sold the farm around 1975. At the beginning of WWII, Arthur was employed at an airplane factory in Battle Creek prior to being drafted. Arthur served 16 months during the Occupation of Japan assigned to the United States Army 8th Cavalry where he was a Military Policeman. He was honorably discharged and returned home July of 1946 to his wife and two daughters. PFC 3rd Class Heckard was awarded a Victory Medal, Asiatic Pacific Theatre Ribbon, one overseas service bar, and Army of Occupation Medal-Japan. Through the Veterans Administration, Arthur attended Michigan State College School of Agriculture, and was certified as an artificial inseminator. He became known as Doc Heckard to all of the local farmers. Later, Arthur was employed by Carbaloy of Edmore, Riverdale Ironworks and Morbark in Winn. Arthur retired from Central Michigan University as custodian. In 1965, Arthur, and his wife, Zelma (Mitchell) Heckard purchased a lake lot near Barryton, MI. They built their retirement home on Lost Lake and spent many wonderful years together fishing, bird watching, and gardening. He was a member of the VFW Post in Mecosta, MI, and Faith United Methodist Church in Barryton, MI. Arthur is survived by four children, Shirley (Jerry) Cairl of Barryton, MI; Sharon (Rick) Greenhoe of Johannesburg, MI; Patricia (Mike) McKillip of Barryton; and James Heckard and Marsha Coffey of Bay City. He is also survived by his sister, Lavora (Jud) Jones of Auburn, MI; 17 grand children; 25 great grandchildren; and 3 great, great grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; his care giver, Shirley Corser; and his church family. Arthur received loving care for the past 8 years from daughter Patricia and son in law Mike McKillip. The family is so grateful to them for keeping dad safe. Arthur was preceded in death by his birth mother, Hazel Combs Heckard; his step mothers, Leah Bunker Heckard and Ethel Raymond Heckard; and his father, James G. Heckard; by his loving wife of 60 years, Zelma Mitchell Heckard; by his daughter, Darlene Heckard Holton; and four infant grandchildren Carrie Patterson, Molly McKillip, Michael Curtis, and Andrew Heckard. Also preceded in death by his step siblings. Visitation will be at the Daggett Funeral Home in Barryton on Wednesday evening, January 30th, from 6PM until 8PM and Thursday, noon until 2PM. The funeral service will be held at the Daggett Funeral Home on Thursday, January 31st at 2PM, Pastor Joe Beavan officiating. Arthur will be laid to rest beside Zelma at the Pine River Cemetery near Blanchard. Memorial donations in Art's name can be made to Faith United Methodist Church. Art was beloved and one of a kind. Please feel free to share your fondest memory.