Richard S. Smithers

Richard S. Smithers, 97, of Lewistown, passed away on Thursday, September 14, 2017, at Geisinger-Lewistown Hospital.     

Born June 17, 1920, in Milroy, he was a son of the late George I. and Mary Kathryn (Krickbaum) Smithers.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Dean Smithers.         

He is survived by: his wife, Louise M. (Strobel) Smithers, whom he married April 30, 1943; children, Wayne R. Smithers and wife, Susanne R., of Harrisburg, and Heidi L. Dalby and husband, William A., of Lewistown; four grandchildren, Holly R. Millheim and husband, Albert, of Muncy, Jeffrey W. Smithers and wife, Linda, of Dauphin, Eric R. Smithers and wife, Rachel, of Harrisburg, and Ellen S. Wenrich and husband, Timothy, of Dauphin; twelve great-grandchildren, Nathan, Joshua, Jacob, A.J., Allison, Benjamin, Sarah, Keith, Amber, Alex, Steven, and Sydney; and two great-great grandchildren, Hayden and Brock.

Richard graduated from Milroy High School, Class of 1938.

He served in the Navy during World War II as an aviation electrician, from May 1943 to Dec. 1945.

He was a member of First United Methodist Church, Lewistown.

He was employed as a desk man for the Bell Telephone Company of Pennsylvania, retiring with 32 years of service.

Richard was a member of the Lewistown Masonic Lodge 203; Lewistown Elks Lodge 663; and American Legion Post 287, Milroy, where he served as Post Commander.

A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m., Monday, Sept. 18, 2017 at Heller-Hoenstine Funeral Homes, Woodlawn, 200 N. Main St., Lewistown, with Pastor Vicki Elmer and Rev. Karen McCachren officiating.  A viewing will be held from noon to 2 p.m., with Masonic rites immediately prior to the funeral service.

Interment will take place in Woodlawn Cemetery, Milroy, with military honors by VFW Post 7011, Lewistown.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Richard’s name may be made to: First United Methodist Church, 200 E. Third St., Lewistown, PA 17044, or a charity of one’s choice.

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