Fred W. Hepner, 84, of Bethlehem, formerly of Coplay, died Nov. 29, 2020, in St. Luke’s Hospice, Lower Saucon Township.

Born April 19, 1936, in Northampton, he was the son of the late Robert A. and Myrtle I. (Scheckler) Hepner.

He faithfully and honorably served his country in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War era and was a member of the Northampton American Legion.

He was a truck driver for the former Maslin Trucking, GPS Terminal Services and other trucking companies before retiring.

The most caring and honest man, as the saying goes ... everyone who met Fred, loved Fred.

He was always in good spirits with a smile on his face and every smile made his blue eyes twinkle even more.

He enjoyed spending time fishing, camping and being with friends.

Every weekend he could be found at Staci and Daryl’s camper or over for Sunday dinner.

He will be missed by many and will always be No. 1 to some.

His survivors include daughters Staci Eckhart and husband, Daryl, of Bethlehem; Karen Stamps and husband, Wendell, of Kansas; Linda Smith and Susan Stallings and husband, Steve, all of California; 11 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; siblings Edgar Hepner of Nazareth, Sandra Gave of Towanda, June Peters of Coplay, and Patricia Hepner of Maryland.

He was predeceased by a daughter, Judy Marie Hepner and companion, Nancy E. Lobach.

A memorial service with military honors will be held 10:30 a.m. Dec. 3 in Heintzelman Funeral Home, Inc., 4906 Route 309, Schnecksville, with the Rev. Dr. David Charles Smith officiating.

Family and friends may pay their respects 9:30-10:30 a.m. Thursday in the funeral home.

Private interment will follow the service at St. John’s UCC Cemetery, Laurys Station.

Expressions of sympathy may be made at heintzelmancares.com.

Strict COVID-19 precautions must be taken. Masks are required and social distancing encouraged.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital c/o the funeral home, P.O. Box 196, Schnecksville, PA 18078-0196.