J. Hackman

J. Walter Hackman, 88, formerly of Allentown, passed away April 21, in Souderton Mennonite Homes. He was the husband of Ruth (Yoder) Hackman. They were married on June 10, 1944. He was the son of the late Joseph W. and Katie (Derstine) Hackman. He attended school in the Souderton School District and graduated from Eastern Mennonite High School in 1941. He was a salesman all his working life, even as a child, selling vegetables, pretzels, etc. from a push cart door-to-door in Souderton and Telford. He learned the butchering trade at various Philadelphia markets. In 1947, he started BOOKSTORE TO YOUR DOOR, a truck stocked with Books, Bibles, Music and Gifts. This was the forerunner of what is now known as Hackman's Bible Book Store in Whitehall. He was well known for his knowledge in selling Bibles, not only locally, but publishers were also aware of his experience and sought his advice. From 1968-1970 he was President of Christian Booksellers Association, an international organization. Also, in 1968 he received the Christian Bookstore of the Year Award. The Hackman's were avid campers and for forty years they enjoyed a trailer in the Poconos at Spruce Lake Retreat with their children and grandchildren. Three times they camped across the country. He was an expert at maneuvering his motor home, even to Alaska. He loved fishing. He was an active member of Allentown Mennonite Church for many years, starting the church's first Vacation Bible School in a tent along with a camp program for city children. He conducted monthly prison services for 35 years at Lehigh County Prison. More recently he was a member of Swamp Mennonite Church. Survivors: Wife, four daughters, and one son; Rose, wife of Glenn Martin, Barto; Rebecca, Wife of John Hess of Jonestown; Jenny, wife of David Fitting, Allentown; Joseph, Husband of Marcia Hackman, Emmaus; Libby, wife of Matthew Bauman, Quakertown. 11 Grandchildren: Lisa Stoltzfus, Rodney Martin, Shawn Hess, Andrew Fitting, Kevin Fitting, Joe Hackman, Elizabeth Kennel, Brian Hackman, Jason Bauman, Kyle Bauman, Jon Bauman. 6 Great grandchildren: Alex Rodriguez, Matthew Martin, Ryan Martin, Caleb Stoltzfus, Brandon Stoltzfus, Ila Hackman. In addition to family he is survived by two sisters, Verna Moyer and Dorothy Martin. He was preceded in death by Granddaughter Kim Rodriguez, Great Granddaughter Elizabeth Rose Stoltzfus, one sister Susan Moyer and two brothers, Linford and Wilmer. Services: Thurs April 26, 11 a.m., Swamp Mennonite Church. 2125 Rosedale Rd. Quakertown Viewing: Wed, April 25 6-8 p.m., Souderton Mennonite Home, 207 West Summit Street Souderton, PA 18964 Thurs, April 26 9-10:30 a.m. Swamp Mennonite Church Interment: Swamp Mennonite Cemetery, Memorial Contributions can be made to: The Gideons International, P.O. Box 362 Orefield, PA 18069 Good Shepherd Home, 601 Saint John St, Allentown, PA 18103