William James Heilman

William James “Bill” Heilman, 90, a lifelong Frankfort resident, passed away on Wednesday, October 9, 2019, at his home.  He was born December 9, 1928, in Frankfort, to Arthur Jacob and Dorothy (Miller) Heilman.  On November 1, 1950, Bill married Leona “Jean” Nichols at Trinity Methodist Church in Kokomo; she preceded him in death on June 10, 2007.

In 1949, Bill graduated from Frankfort High School.  He served in the United States Army during the Korean War.  In 1955, he became the owner and operator of Heilman Sinclair Filling Station on the corner of Jackson and Walnut until 1978.  Bill then worked for Tom Conard as a lumber buyer before becoming an independent buyer, making many trips up into Wisconsin, until recently retiring.  He was a over 50 years member of the Clinton Masonic Lodge and former member of the Moose.  An avid Yankee baseball fan, Bill greatly enjoyed fishing especially in Wisconsin for Crappie and Muskie, hunting in his various spots, and playing dominoes with his buddies at the barn. 

Surviving Bill are his daughter, Cathy (George) Gorman, of Frankfort; son-in-law, William J. “Bill” Taylor, of Frankfort; six grandchildren, William (Kellie) Gorman, Maggie (Josh) Henderson, Michael (Amy) Davey, P.J. (Cale) Mays, Shea Copenhaver, and Nathan Taylor; and eight great grandchildren, Jacob Gorman, Devin Henderson, Charlotte Davey, Maya Davey, Grant and Cash Copenhaver, and Elaine and Everett Mays.

In addition to his wife, Bill is preceded in death by his daughter, Helen E. Taylor, and brother, Tom Heilman.

Visitation will be held on Friday, October 11, 2019, at Genda Funeral Home in Frankfort, from 4:00 p.m. to the start of the funeral service at 6:00 p.m.  Burial will follow in Bunnell Cemetery in Frankfort.  In lieu of flowers, memorials in Bill’s name may be made to Clinton County Cancer to honor his wife and daughter.  Online condolences may be directed to www.gendafuneralhome.com.