Obituary of Milford Heddleson

Milford R. Heddleson, age 90, passed away peacefully at home in State College, PA, on March 30, 2012. He was born in Woodsfield, Ohio, the son of James Ernest Heddleson and Lillian Hendershot Heddleson. He graduated from Graysville High School, and married Angelyn Busch on June 11, 1945. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1942, where he served in World War II until his honorable discharge in 1945. Upon returning from service, he attended Ohio State University, where he received his B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. degrees in Agronomy. After serving on the staff and faculty of Ohio State, he accepted an offer to join the faculty at Penn State University in 1962. He served as a professor in Agronomy Extension, teaching undergraduate and graduate courses and conducting research in sustainable agriculture. He traveled extensively across Pennsylvania, teaching farmers environmentally safe practices for crop production and soil management. He ultimately became the College of Agriculture's Coordinator of Environmental Affairs. While there, he was on the team that coordinated the response to the Three Mile Island Nuclear crisis. He also led the fundraising for the creation of the Snider Agricultural Arena , and helped coordinate Ag progress days when it adopted a permanent site at Rock Springs. He served as Chair of the local chapter of Gamma Sigma Delta honorary society from 1978-9. He retired from Penn State in 1987 as Professor Emeritus. Upon retirement, Milford was well known for his community volunteerism. He served with Meals on Wheels, the Sight Loss Support Group, VITA Tax Preparation, CARES Radio and Reading Service for the blind, and the American Red Cross. He was a 32nd degree Freemason and a Shriner. He was Past President of the State College Kiwanas Club. Survivors include his wife, Angelyn, sister Eileen of Peoria, Arizona and his sons and daughters-in- law, Ron and Susan Heddleson of Plymouth, MN, and Jim and Jill Heddleson of Charlotte, NC. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Clifford, and sister Violet. Funeral services will be held at the families' convenience. Interment will be in Pine Hall Cemetery. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorials be given to the Shriner's Children's Hospital Fund, the Kiwanas Foundation, or to a charity of the donor's choice. Online condolences may be made at www.kochfuneralhome.com.