Former Christian retailer J. Walter Hackman died April 21 at age 88. He served as president of the Christian Booksellers Association from 1968-1970.

In 1947, Hackman began to drive door-to-door with his products, starting Bookstore to Your Door, the forerunner of the now 65-year-old Hackman’s Bible Bookstore in Whitehall, Pa., and in 1968, he received the Christian Bookstore of the Year award. Known for his knowledge in selling Bibles, publishers sought his advice.

Formerly of Allentown, Pa., Hackman was a resident of Souderton Mennonite Homes, where he died. At his former church, Allentown Mennonite, he started the congregation’s first Vacation Bible School in a tent. He also conducted monthly services at Lehigh County Prison for 35 years.

He is survived by his wife, Ruth Yoder Hackman; four daughters, Rose, Rebecca, Jenny and Libby; and one son, Joe, who with wife Marcia own and run Hackman’s Bible Bookstore; 11 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and two sisters.

Memorial contributions can be made to Good Shepherd Home or The Gideons International in Allentown.

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