Freddie Thomas "Fred" Heickman, age 92, of Hondo passed away Friday, May 8, 2009. He was born Aug. 21, 1916, in Somerset, the son of John and Annie (Collins) Heickman. He spent his early years on his parents' farm, helping with farm work. Later, He worked as a painter and wallpaper hanger. On June 1, 1943, he married Grace Pearl Saathoff and they continued to live on the farm for a few years before moving to Hondo. Fred was active in the church, serving on the administrative board, as Sunday School Superintendent, as a Sunday School teacher, and as president of the Methodist Men. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Grace; and sister, Janie Ellis. He is survived by his son, Larry A. Heickman and wife Sharon of New Braunfels; sisters, Mae Zinsmeister of Knippa, Lorene Culliton of Bakersfield, CA, and Alice McKenzie of Austin; two grandchildren, Teresa Lay and husband Steven and Dwayne Jackson and wife Stacie; eight great-grandchildren and two great-great-granddaughters. Funeral service was held at 10 a.m. Monday, May 11, at New Fountain United Methodist Church, with Rev. Charlie Parker officiating. Casketbearers were Richard Schweers, Alvin Wiemers, Floyd Saathoff, David Frazer, Gary Haass and Gayle Haass. Interment was at Yancey Cemetery.