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The Rev. Dr. Charles M. Heaps passed away on Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023, at the Williamsport Home.
Charles was married to the late Georgia A. Heaps for 66 years prior to her death in March 2017. He was born in Lancaster, to Harvey Heaps and Esther Miles.
Charles is survived by his daughter, Sharon (Joel) Sutkins; son, David (Tracey) Heaps, both of Montoursville; 9 grandchildren; 19 great grandchildren, and 3 great great-grandchildren.
In addition to his wife and parents, Charles was preceded in death by his son, Michael, and granddaughter, Lora.
Charles graduated from Franklin and Marshall College and the Lutheran Theological Seminary in Gettysburg. He celebrated his 65th anniversary of his ordination as a Lutheran minister in June 2023. He served several parishes in Pennsylvania, including Turbotville/McEwensville, Bethany in Montoursville, and First Church in Chambersburg.
Charles served his country honorably, enlisting into the U.S. Navy at the age of 17 and later serving in U.S. Air Force. He was a Naval Corpsman and served both on ship and at the Philadelphia Naval Hospital during the Korean War. In 1961, Charles attended the U.S. Air Force Chaplin's school in Texas. He served active duty at McConnell Air Force base in Wichita, Kansas, and continued his reserve service in the Air Force until he retired in 1993 as a Lieutenant Colonel. In addition to numerous commendation awards he also graduated from the Air War College.
Charles and Georgia loved to travel whether it was to Rotary International conventions, hosting travel tours to many foreign countries and continents or visiting the lighthouses of America. Charles was a skilled woodworker. He enjoyed collecting and refurbishing antiques, collecting coins, stamps, lighthouse replicas and model trains. He was an avid reader and enjoyed all kinds of music from the Beatles to Beethoven.
Charles love of God, Family and Country was evident in the way he lived his life and the example he set for all around him.
A service of Christian burial will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 28, at St. Luke Lutheran Church, 1400 Market St., Williamsport, with Rev. Jeff L. LeCrone officiating. A burial will follow at Wildwood Cemetery. Friends may call from 9 to 11 a.m. on Saturday at the church.
In lieu of flowers please make contributions to the Alzheimer's Association.
Expressions of sympathy may be made to the family at www.mccartythomas.com.