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EDGAR R. NEFF

   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,

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

   

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