Born in Butler, he married Averil M. Black on January 16, 1943 at St. John Church in Coylesville. The church had no heat or electricity due to a major snowstorm. It was surely a day to remember as they were locked out of his parent’s home and he crawled through a second floor window to unlock the door. On their way to Pittsburgh for their honeymoon they forgot their gas ration tickets and his sister walked a mile in the snow to deliver them!
They had a daughter, Ruth Douthett who works at Concordia, a son, David and a set of twins, Jeanne Aubrey and Ronald Neff as well as 11grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.
He retired from T.W. Phillips Gas Company. A member of St. Wendelin Church, he served on the front line in the artillery division during WWII. He never missed an opportunity to march in veterans parades (he was a member of the Chicora VFW), and raised a flag daily at his home. Hobbies included camping, cards, singing, and yes, pumping and repairing oil wells.
His special enjoyment was children and he always had a quarter to give them.
His secret to reaching a century, “Smile, be Happy – Don’t Worry. Take life slow and easy!”
