David “Dave” R. Pletcher Sr., 88, of Burnham, passed away Saturday, Dec. 29, 2018, at Locust Grove Retirement Village.
Born March 31, 1930, in Mill Run, Fayette County, he was a son of the late Arnold G. and Rosa Ann (Porterfield) Pletcher. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by: his wife, Mary L. “Mary Lou” (Newmyer) Pletcher, on Feb. 20, 2018, whom he married June 23, 1950; three brothers, James, Arnold Jr. and John; two sisters, Helen and Marie; and a brother-in-law, Robert H. Newmyer.
He is survived by: children, David R. Pletcher Jr., and wife, Deb, of Elderton, James D. Pletcher and wife, Patti, of Burnham, Susan B. Cherry and husband, Donald, of Lewistown; grandchildren, Jennifer Johns, and husband, Nathan, of Elderton, Kimberly Barlow, and husband, Andrew, of Bend Ore., Nathan Pletcher, of Altoona, Daniel Cherry, and wife, Emily, of Lewistown, Jonathan Cherry, and wife, Jessica, of Hummelstown; great-grandchildren, Travis and Emily Johns, Hayley and Alaina Barlow, Colton Pletcher and Levi and Libby Cherry.
Dave was a graduate of Connellsville High School, Class of 1948. After high school, he served in the U.S. Air Force from 1948 to 1968, in the Communications Squadron, and as an USAF Recruiter. He received National Defense Expert Marksman and Good Conduct Medal citations.
Upon retirement from the USAF, Dave worked in Lewistown/Burnham as an insurance adjuster, a manager at McDonald’s, and a salesman at Sears Roebuck, Endicott Johnson Shoes and Lewistown Fishing and Hunting.
He was a member of Walnut Street UMC, where he also served as a lay leader and Sunday school teacher.
He was an avid bowler throughout his lifetime. He enjoyed senior games and would take part in the senior bowling leagues. He also enjoyed spending time with family, hunting, fishing, collecting coins and stamps.
He served as an officer or leader in many local/regional organizations such as the Boy Scouts of America, the American Legion Post 90, Air Force Association, and the American Bowling Assoc.
A viewing will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, Jan 5, 2019, at Walnut Street United Methodist Church, 203 N. Walnut St., Burnham, with a funeral service to follow at 11 a.m., with Pastor Chris Lutz officiating.
Interment with military honors will take place in Juniata Memorial Park.
Arrangements are under the care of Heller-Hoenstine Funeral Homes, Burnham.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Dave’s memory may be made to: Walnut Street UMC, 203 N. Walnut St., Burnham, PA 17009.
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