Charles Wayne Heidel age 89, passed away peacefully on Wednesday morning March 25, 2015 in Faxton-Saint Luke's Medical Center, New Hartford. He was born on November 17, 1925 in Herkimer, son of the late Charles and Alma Kelley Heidel. A lifelong Herkimer resident he was a graduate of Herkimer High School. A US Army veteran of World War II, he entered the military on February 12, 1944 and served with the 1521st Army Air Force BU Pacific Division Air Transport Command. He was the recipient of the American Service Medal, Asiatic Pacific Service Medal and the World War Victory Medal. He was honorably discharged on March 15, 1946 attaining the rank of Corporal. On May 7, 1960 he was united in marriage with the former Rachel Barragan in the Salisbury United Methodist Church. Together they shared a loving and devoted union of forty-eight years until her passing on December 6, 2008. For many years Mr. Heidel worked for Norman's Home Improvements in Ilion and was also a self-employed carpenter. He retired in 1981. He could fix or build anything. Later in life "Wayne" (the name he went by) took up wood carving and showed his artistic capability. He and Rachel loved their Brittany Spaniels, especially "Brit" and "Sparky" in their later years. He also loved to play and coach tennis, fly-fish the back country, and played golf or biked all around the Valley with his good friend Everett Tucker. Charles had a strong belief in God and was a member of the Salisbury United Methodist Church. To all who knew him he was a kind, thoughtful, caring man with an unforgettable smile. He will be truly missed. Surviving him are two nephews, The Reverend Brad Eakins of Cheyenne, WY and Bruce Eakins of Pittsford. Besides his parents and wife Rachel he was preceded in death by a brother, Erwin F. Heidel, two sisters, Teresa Eakins and Alberta Heidel. A graveside funeral service with military honors for Mr. Heidel will be held later this spring in Salisbury Rural Cemetery at a time to be announced. There are no calling hours. Funeral arrangements are with Fenner Funeral Home, Inc. Graveside