Edgar R. Neff Sr., 87, entered into eternal rest on Friday, Sept. 4, 2009, at his residence.
He was born in Westover, a son of the late Rev. George O. and Mary Ethel (Bowden) Neff. On Sept. 20, 1947, he married the former Pauline I. Smeal who survives. His passing breaks a marital union of 61 years.
He served in the Army Co. H 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment 82 Airborne Division during World War II. He was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, the Distinguished Unit Badge, the American Theatre Service Medal, the EAME Theatre Service Medal with four Bronze Stars and one Bronze Arrowhead, and the World War II Victory Medal. He was honorably discharged on Dec. 17, 1945 with the rank of Staff Sergeant, from his service obligations.
Ed was employed as a professional truck driver initially for Speedway Trucking and T.I.E., both of Selinsgrove, and retired after 30 years from Red Star Trucking ,also of Selinsgrove.
Edgar was a member of the Freeburg United Methodist Church, the Freeburg Volunteer Fire Company, and the American Legion, Victory Post No. 25, Selinsgrove, and the Shade Mountain Golf Course, Middleburg. He was also a member of the Chauffeurs, Teamsters, and Helpers, Harrisburg, and the Local Union No. 764, Milton.
Edgar was a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather, and
great-grandfather who enjoyed golfing,
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fishing, and hunting. In addition to his beloved wife, Pauline, he
is survived by three daughters and one son, Barbara McCutcheon and
husband, Kenneth of Etters, Mary Jane "Janie" Neff and husband,
Eugene Haines of Middleburg, Edgar R. Neff, Jr. and wife, Teresa of
Sandy Creek, N.Y. and Brenda Hendricks and husband, Eugene of
Freeburg; nine grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; one brother,
James Neff of Selinsgrove; four sisters, Rosella Spinosa and
Annabelle Adee, both of Selinsgrove, Helen Schott and Janie Grimes,
both of Harrisburg; two sisters-in-law, Martha Neff of Selinsgrove
and Joan Neff of Naples, Fla.; many nieces and nephews; and his
beloved dog, "Cotton" . He was preceded by one granddaughter, five
brothers, and two sisters. The family will receive friends for the
viewing from noon to 2 p.m. Monday at the Freeburg United Methodist
Church, Church Street, Freeburg, followed by a funeral service at 2
with the Rev. Shirley Cornell officiating.
Burial will be made in Evergreen Cemetery, Freeburg, with full
military honors accorded by the Selinsgrove American Legion, Victory
Post 25 and the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post No. 6631,
Selinsgrove. Should friends desire, memorial gifts may be directed
in loving memory of Edgar to the Freeburg United Methodist Church,
Church Street, Freeburg, PA 17827.
[The Daily Item, Sunbury, PA, 06 Sep 2009, Sun, Page
B7] |
(courtesy of Tiffany Stuck)
Grave marker for Edgar R. Neff in the Evergreen
Cemetery, Freeburg (Snyder county), Pennsylvania.
Edgar registered for
the draft in Bigler, OH on 30 June 1942 and was inducted into the
Army at Altoona, PA on 26 October 1942.
On 2 November 1942,
Pvt Neff was transferred to Company I, 508th PIR.
He was promoted to Pfc
on 23 November 1943 and to Cpl on 21 July 1944. Cpl Neff was further
promoted to Sgt on 18 October 1944.
Although the available
morning reports do not show it, his obituary states that he was
elevated to SSgt before his service ended.
Edgar was discharged
at Indiantown Gap Military Reservation, PA on 17 December 1945.
His military
decorations include the Bronze Service Arrowhead device awarded for
participation in the Normandy assault.
Edgar submitted this
application for the Pennsylvania WWII Veterans bonus. on 17 January
1950. He was credited with 14 months of domestic duty and 24
months of foreign service. He received the maximum $500 bonus award |