Renyold 'Dutch' Pershing Deavor

Renyold Pershing "Dutch" Deavor, 100, of Lewistown, passed away Sunday, December 9, 2018, at Ohesson Manor.

Born Aug. 7, 1918, in Hustontown, Fulton County, he was the son of the late Pearl (Howard) and John F. Deavor.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three sisters, Alice Moore, Vita Kepner and Bernice Boyer, and two brothers, Howard and Hubert Deavor.  He was the last of his immediate family.

He is survived by: his wife, Geraldine M. "Jerri" (Hudson) Deavor, whom he married in 1967; daughters, Nan Lynette Ferguson and husband, Tyde H., of Reedsville, and Sheree L. Gibbons and husband, Thomas, of Blue Bell; three grandchildren, Brian Ferguson, Greg Ferguson and Morgan Wiezbicki; great-grandchildren, Taryn, Tyde, Kylie and Bradley; and a great-great granddaughter, Kennedy.

Renyold was a graduate of Lewistown High School, Class of 1936.

Dutch served his country during WWII in the Pacific Theatre and was discharged Jan. 15, 1946.  Upon his discharge, he joined the Army National Guard of Pa. where he served until Aug. 6, 1978.  Thereafter, he continued to serve as a member of Company B, 491st Combat Engineers.

He was employed by Montgomery Ward, Sherwin Williams and retired from Weis Markets on May 27, 2004 with 15 years of service.

Dutch was a member of Burnham Church of The Brethren where he served on many committees, including the church board.  He taught the adult Sunday school class and sang in the church choir.  He loved to sing and traveled with the Alfarata Men's Chorus and the Big Valley Men's Chorus for Sunday evening services.

He was a member of United Commercial Travelers of America for 50 years, Mount Nittany Council #729, American Legion Post #90 and Juniata Post #298 since 1950.

In his earlier years, Dutch was active in sports, playing basketball and football.  Later he officiated PIAA football, baseball and basketball games at various high schools.  He enjoyed bowling with his dad and friends.

He loved the outdoors, especially hunting and fishing with his son-in-law, Tyde Ferguson.  Dutch loved to travel in his camper and had a permanent site at Gray Squirrel Campground where they spent weekends with family and friends.

Dutch was a very devoted husband, father and friend.  He will be missed.

A viewing will be held from 9 to 11 a.m., Thursday, Dec. 13, 2018, at Burnham Church of The Brethren, 541 East Freedom Avenue, Burnham, followed by a funeral service at 11 a.m., at the church, with Pastor George Yocum officiating.

Interment with military honors by VFW Post 7011, will take place at Birch Hill Cemetery, Burnham.

Hoenstine Funeral Home, 75 Logan St., Lewistown, is in charge of arrangements.

Memorials in Renyold's name may be made to Burnham Church of The Brethren, 541 E. Freedom Ave., Burnham, PA 17009.  

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