Obituaries from the Perry County Times (10/19/24)

Obituaries for Perry County for the weeks preceding October 19.

Robert L. "Bob" Charles Jr., 61, of Liverpool entered eternal rest on Friday, Oct. 4, 2024, at his home.

He was born Aug. 1, 1963, in Harrisburg to Sharon (Foster) Charles and the late Robert Lee Charles Sr.

He earned an associate degree as a machinist at Williamsport Area Community College. He was employed as a machinist at NTM, Inc. in Newport for more than 33 years.

He was a lifetime member of Newport Order of the Owls and Hunters Valley Sportsmen's Association, a Son of the American Legion in Liverpool, and a social member of the Newport VFW.

He was an avid lover of all Pittsburgh sports teams, making trips to Canada, fishing and, more recently, golf.

In addition to his mother, surviving are his wife of more than 34 years, Melinda (Fleisher) Charles; two daughters, Heather Charles McGowan and her husband Scott and Elysia Blair and her husband Zach; two granddaughters, Emma and Brynn; and numerous aunts, cousins, and friends.

He was preceded in death by a brother, William (Pickle) Charles.

George P. Garman Funeral Home, Liverpool, handled arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be made to be made to Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Pennsylvania, 745 West Governor Road, Hershey 17033-2304, or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tenn. 38105.

PARK L. COX SR.

Park Lewis "Titch" Cox, Sr., 83, of Newport passed away on Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024, in Harrisburg.

He was born on Dec. 27, 1940.

He was a cherished figure in his community, renowned for his roles as a devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend.

He proudly served in the Army and after serving he embarked on a career with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, from which he retired after many years of dedicated service.

He graduated from Newport High School and was involved in local sports, coaching for many years in the Newport Girls Softball League, where he was affectionately known as "Pavemaster" Coach. His loyalty extended to professional sports as well, being an unwavering Dodgers fan, never missing a game, and an enthusiastic supporter of the Indianapolis Colts. He was a lifetime member of the Newport Social Order of Owls. He loved to go hunting and spending time with his children and grandchildren.

His legacy of unconditional love and dedication to his family and community will be deeply missed and forever cherished by those who had the privilege to know him.

Surviving are his beloved wife, Marjorie D. Cox, three children, Park "Stitch" Cox and wife Melissa, David "Davey" Cox and wife Penny, and Mandi Cox Shive and husband Tim, nine beautiful grandchildren and 10 amazing great-grandchildren, all of Newport; a brother, John Cookie Cox Jr.; and nieces and nephews who held a special place in his heart.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John W. and Vivian M. Cox; two brothers, Ronald "Gummy" Cox and Kevin "Frosty" Cox; and a sister, Natalie "Nats" Whitekettle.

David Myers Funeral Home, Newport, handled arrangements.

WILLIAM A. ANDERSON

William Albert "Bill" Anderson, 47, died suddenly at home on Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024.

He was born on Jan. 11, 1977, in Babenhausen, Germany, to Elaine (Vonada) Clark and the late Gary Lee Clark Sr.

He was a 1996 graduate of Bellefonte High School.

He was employed at Menlo Warehouse before he became disabled. Prior, he worked at First Quality for one year. He also worked at Donsco Foundry for five years, where he made lifelong friends. He worked in numerous restaurants, as well.

He had a passion for cooking and loved grilling out for the many parties his wife planned. He also doted on his two youngest children. He never missed a practice or a game. He was always the loudest and proudest dad on the sidelines. He was so proud of Leeland and Lorelai in all of their sports endeavors. He was always the first to volunteer to help with field maintenance for Lorelai's softball team or run chain gang for Leeland's football games. He was an avid gamer. He made hundreds of friends on the gaming platforms, playing Call of Duty, Ark and Destiny with his sons, Kyler and Leeland. He also enjoyed shooting pool and playing spades.

He was a member of New Bloomfield VFW Auxiliary Post 7463.

He leaves behind his loving wife of 13 years, L'Oreal (Lightner); four beautiful children, Leeland Zander and Lorelai Davina at home, Kyler (Ahleah) Hoover of New Bloomfield and Alayna (Hoover) Musser (Kordell) of Mohrsville; a grandson, Kamden; a sister, Nicole Anderson; an aunt, Darlene Kensinger; and mother-in-law, Holly Lightner of Newport.

He was preceded in death by grandparents, Albert and Betty Vonada, and an uncle, Dale Kensinger.

A celebration of his life was held Oct. 10 in Newport Assembly of God with the Rev. Dennis Holley officiating.

Boyer Family Funeral Home, New Bloomfield, handled arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be made to the funeral home, P.O. Box 11, New Bloomfield 17068, to help with funeral expenses.

EDNA M. KUMLER

Edna Mae Kumler, 84, of Harrisburg passed away peacefully on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, at Rivers Bend Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

She was born on Jan. 28, 1940, in Harrisburg to Willis and Mary Hippensteel.

She worked as a nurse in the dementia unit for Manor Care.

She cherished spending time and making memories with her family. In her free time, she enjoyed reading, crafts, the outdoors and fishing with her family. Her family will always remember the fishing trips to Little Buffalo State Park with her and her husband Clair.

Surviving are a daughter, Heather Kumler of Annville; eight grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Clair; son, Donald; and daughter, Melody.

Ronald C.L. Smith Funeral Home, Duncannon, handled arrangements.

LARRY NOLEN

Larry Nolen, beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend, passed away at home on Friday, Oct. 4, 2024, at the age of 76.

He was born in Northumberland to the late Dorothy (Kessler) Middaugh and Ray H. Nolen.

He graduated from Cumberland Valley High School in 1967, where he became the first state wrestling champion for the school.

Known for his contagious smile and heartfelt chuckle, he brought joy and warmth to everyone around him. He leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and selfless service to others.

His career was as varied as it was fulfilling. From serving in the Coast Guard to owning his own plumbing business and working at Loysville Youth Development Center, he approached each role with dedication and integrity.

An active member of his community, he was honored to be inducted into the District III Wrestling Hall of Fame and the Cumberland Valley Wrestling Hall of Fame. His commitment to giving back was evident through his extensive involvement with organizations such as the Central Pennsylvania Blood Bank, where he proudly donated 13 gallons of blood, and memberships in Adams Lodge, Tall Cedars of Lebanon, Scottish Rites, Mechanicsburg Club, and as a charter member of the Enola Sportsman's Club.

A dedicated sports enthusiast, he found fulfillment in giving back to his community through coaching at West Perry, where he coached high school students in wrestling and track and field, as well as in Midget football. He enjoyed spending time hunting, fishing, and creating lasting memories with his family, which was always his favorite thing to do. His kindness, wisdom and infectious laugh will live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Surviving are his loving wife of 52 years, Betsey (Trimble) Nolen; two daughters, Meggan Morrison (Scott) and Cori Zeigler (Matt); six grandchildren, Caden, Brad, Ty and Maggie Morrison, and Nolen and Tanner Zeigler, all of whom he cherished dearly; a special nephew, Tom Getz, whom he considered a son; four nephews, three nieces and many great-nieces, great-nephews, a great-great-nephew; and two sisters-in-law, Judy Sauve (Jim) and Nancy Gipson (Rob).

A celebration of his life will be held at a later date.

Boyer Family Funeral Home, New Bloomfield, handled arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Central Pennsylvania or the West Perry Wrestling Club.

HARRY E. BINGAMAN

Harry E. "Butch" Bingaman, 76, of Newport passed away Wednesday, Sept. 25.

He was born on Jan. 27, 1948, in Sunbury to the late Harry I. and Mary Rebecca (Noll) Bingaman.

He graduated from Newport High School in 1965 and from Penn State University at Harrisburg in 1969.

He married the love of his life, Kathy, on Jan. 5, 1969.

He worked at Gannett Fleming, E. H. Bourquard Associates, Inc. and Glace Associates as a civil engineer.

He loved to cook and bake and was famously known for his peanut butter fudge. He loved to go to flea markets and collect milk bottles and Pepsi memorabilia. He also was a huge Penn State fan. He had a heart of gold and a sense of humor like no other. His heart and home were open to many throughout the years.

Surviving are two daughters, Audra Schwaller (Shannon) and Amy Shomper (Tim); three grandchildren, Tyler, Kylie and Camryn Shomper; a sister, Mary Elizabeth "Beth" Campbell (Carl) of Somerset; and numerous nieces and nephews who affectionately called him Unkie.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Kathy, and an infant son.

David Myers Funeral Home, Newport, is handling arrangements.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 19, in St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Newport. Visitation is from 1 to 2.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer's Association, Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, or Ronald McDonald House.

EVAN K. SHEFFER JR.

Evan Kent Sheffer Jr., 61, of Shermans Dale passed away on Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2024 at home.

He was born on Aug. 31, 1963, in Abington, Pa.

He was retired from the Navy after 20 years of service and as a security guard at the Carlisle Army Barracks with 16 years of service.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing and found a teaching moment in every situation. He was a loving, devoted father and a man of integrity.

Surviving are three sons, Robert Lee Sheffer of Loysville, and Bryson Evan Sheffer and Garrett Andrew Sheffer, both of Shermans Dale; three daughters, Brittney Nichole Boyd of Washington, Amber Lee Lightner and her husband, Dawson, of Shermans Dale, and Rylee Jolene Sheffer of Blain; a grandson, Hayden Lightner; his mother, Annette Jacobs of Harleysville; and a sister, Stacey Knechel and her husband, Darryl, of Harleysville.

He was preceded in death by his father, Evan Kent Sheffer Sr.

A service will be held at noon, Tuesday, Oct. 22, in Ronald C.L. Smith Funeral Home, 325 North High St., Duncannon. Visitation is from 11 a.m. till noon. Burial, with military honors, will be in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville.

CHARLENE L. FLANAGAN

Charlene L. Flanagan, 79, of Ickesburg died peacefully on Friday, Oct. 4, 2024.

Affectionately known to most as "Nanny," she was born April 12, 1945, in Harrisburg to the late George B. and Mary F. (Mountz) Fry.

She graduated from Cumberland Valley High School in 1995. She retired from Highmark Insurance Company in 2015, after 29 1/2 years of service. She passionately loved her family and her world revolved around her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her joyful spirit was always present, whether visiting family, shopping for the perfect find, or lighting up a room with her infectious laughter. Her warmth and generosity made everyone feel welcome and she never missed an opportunity to spend time with loved ones.

She also was known for her love of quiet moments with her Kindle, often coloring or playing games. She had a penchant for watching murder and mayhem shows because she was always intrigued by a good mystery on TV. Her unique blend of energy and relaxation left a lasting impression on those lucky enough to have known her. And, of course, no family gathering was complete without her infamous peanut butter fudge — a treat fondly remembered by many. She will be remembered for her boundless energy, love of family gatherings, and her passion for life's simple pleasures. She had a unique gift for making others smile and her presence will be deeply missed. She lived a good life and brought joy and happiness to her family and friends.

Surviving are her beloved husband of 63 years, Edward J. Flanagan; three children, Edward V. Flanagan (Lisa) of Newport, Timothy P. Flanagan of Duncannon and Christine A. Flanagan of Ickesburg; seven grandchildren, Julie A. Metz (Brian), Janelle J. Flanagan-Hall (Justin), Stephen A. Howell (Heather), Fallon I. Flanagan, Nicole L. Flanagan (Austin), Cayla M. Flanagan (Jan) and Ryan T. Flanagan (Kaila); 13 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by two siblings, Kathlene A. Rhoads and George E. Fry.

Nickel-Lochstampfor Family Funeral Home, Loysville, handled arrangements.