Clifford Hecht, Coldwater, died Tuesday night after being critically burned over 80% of his body, following a fire at his home.

The fire was reported to Sheriff Phil Hackney and John Wallace, who were on the street at the time, by George Unruh and Edwin Smith who were on their way to work at the Northern Natural in Greensburg. the time was about 10:55 p.m. Monday. Hackney and Wallace turned in the fire alarm and went directly to the home on the south edge of Coldwater.

When they arrived Clifford was laying on the divan, but the heat and smoke was so intense that Sheriff Hackney was unable to reach him. When they were able to get to him, he was found lying on the floor in the kitchen. He was taken to the Comanche County Hospital in critical condition where he passed away Tuesday night at 7:50 p.m.

Funeral services will be held on Friday afternoon at 2:00 in the Presbyterian church. Rev. Carl Grondorf and Rev. Oran Bradford officiating.

Funeral services were held on Friday, June 2, 1961, at 2:00 p.m. for Clifford A. Hecht, who died on May 30, 1961, from burns received the day before. The services held in the Presbyterian church in Coldwater were in charge of Rev. Carl Grondorf and Rev. Oran Bradford.

The organist was Donald G. Booth and soloist was Mrs. Frank Weber who sang "In the Garden" and "Rock of Ages."

Pallbearers were Loren Herd, Clarence Gillet, Ted Frederick, W. N. Parsons, Bill Sickler and Victor Willard.

Interment was in the Crown Hill Cemetery, Coldwater, Kansas.

Clifford A. Hecht was born in Coldwater, Kans., on November 11, 1917, and passed away on May 31, 1961, in the Comanche County Hospital as a result of burns received in a fire which severely damaged his home in Coldwater. He was 43 years, 6 months and 17 days of age at the time of his death.

Clifford united with the First Presbyterian church, Coldwater, on February 9, 1930.

He was graduated from Coldwater High School with the Class of 1936. For a number of years he operated the Hecht Produce Business in Coldwater until his health failed.

His father, A. H. Hecht, preceded him in death on December 24, 1959, and his mother, Hulda (Berg) Hecht, passed away on May 30, 1957. He is survived by a sister, Mrs. Lavera Harrell, Wichita; three brothers, Victor Hecht, Haysville, Gail Hecht, Wichita and Alvin H. Hecht, Jacksonville, Fla.

Clifford spent all his life in Coldwater excepting the time spent in defense work in Wichita during World War II. He was prevented from serving in the Armed Forces during the war due to his health. He was a kindly person and deeply loved his family and friends. His death was most untimely and he will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Also see:

Alvin H. Hecht, Sr., father of Clifford A. Hecht.

Hulda Karoline (Berg) Hecht, mother of Clifford A. Hecht.

Thanks to Shirley Brier for finding, transcribing and contributing the above news article to this web site!

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