Gary Heishman

It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of our beloved husband, father and grandfather, Gary C. Heishman, who left us on Saturday, June 15th at the age of 81. Surrounded by his loving family, he was a generous man of honor, wisdom and charity. He cherished family time and loved everything relating to cars and trucks. You could often find him tinkering in his garage which was always immaculately clean. Born in Carlisle on November 15, 1942, he was the son of late T.C. & Velva (Orris) Heishman. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Vonnie (Funk) Heishman. He was an active member of Carlisle United Methodist Church. 

A graduate of Big Spring High School, class of 1960, he founded GET Leasing in 1965 with his brother Tom Heishman and brother-in-law Edward Shellehamer. They later started Allen Distribution in 1988 and he achieved their 10-year projection in year 6. He has received numerous accolades including a Business Achievement Award in 2018 by the Carlisle Chamber of Commerce, Bulldog Foundation Hall of Fame Inductee in 2009, and a 60 year pin from the Masonic Lodge #260. He was also on the Big Spring School Board for 4 years and was on the Water and Sewer Authority. He believed that “surrounding yourself with good people” was the key to his business success. 

Gary’s loving spirit is carried on by his sons Timothy Heishman (wife Jennifer) and Ryan Heishman (wife Schyler). He is also survived by sister Karolyn Shellehamer of Carlisle, PA. He was predeceased by his brother, Tom Heishman. Gary, fondly known as “Paps”, was doted on by his 6 grandchildren: Grant Heishman (wife Victoria), Andrew Heishman, Lillian Heishman, Brianna Heishman, Isabella Heishman, and Elizabeth Heishman. 

To commemorate his remarkable life, a visitation will be held on Thursday June 20th from 5-7 p.m. at Hoffman Funeral & Cremation, 2020 W. Trindle Road, Carlisle and funeral services on Saturday, June 22nd at 10:30 a.m. at Carlisle United Methodist Church, 333 S. Spring Garden Street, Carlisle. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the following charities which were dear to Gary’s heart: Safe Harbour, 102 W. High Street, Carlisle, PA 17013; Project Share, 5 N. Orange Street #4, Carlisle, PA 17013; Bethany House, 558 Petersburg Rd, Carlisle, PA 17015 or Carlisle United Methodist Church, 333 S. Spring Garden St. Carlisle, PA 17013.