Allen M. Shoffler

NORTHUMBERLAND - Allen M. Shoffler, 92, a former resident of Marion Heights and current resident of Nottingham Village, Northumberland, passed away Friday, Oct. 17, 2008, after a brief illness at the Berwick Hospital.
Allen was born Feb. 23, 1916, in Catawissa, the youngest of 10 children to Charles and Maria (Hess) Shoffler. Preceding him in death were his parents, as well as all nine brothers and sisters, to include Margaret May Shoffer, Maria Ellen Shoffler, Katie Shoffler, Elizabeth Laura Shoffler, Charles Harold Shoffler, Caroline Woodrow Shoffler, Jacob Hess Shoffler, Katheryn Elizabeth Shoffler, and Elmer Leroy Shoffler.
Allen attended Franklin Township school in Catawissa and graduated from the eighth grade in 1931 with perfect attendance. He worked on his family farm until he went to work for the Reading Coal and Iron Company. Allen later served in the Army from November 1945 to January 1947, during which time he received the World War II Victory Ribbon. After serving his country, Allen returned to Pennsylvania and became the owner/operator of his own coal mine, receiving Certificates of Study from the U.S. Dept. of Interior, Bureau of Mines. Allen later retired from the mining industry while employed with Porter Tunnel in Tower City, in 1937, where he served as a mining foreman.
Allen married the former Eleanor L. Smith of Hegins on March 10, 1945, preceding him in death on March 5, 2004, just five days from their 59th wedding anniversary. In addition to his wife, his sons Carl and Allen Jr. also preceded him in death, along with an infant son.
Allen was a lifelong Phillies fan and quite the colorful story teller. We will miss hearing him tell us stories of life in the coal mine, life in the Army, and just general life experiences. Often embellished with a genuine sense of humor, but thoroughly enjoyed none the less. He enjoyed camping and fishing and spending quality time with his grandchildren.
Surviving are three children, David Shoffler of Marion Heights and his wife Judy, Barbara Hoover of Northumberland and her fiance Charles Walker and Fay Fausnaught of Bloomsburg and her husband Tom. Also surviving are 14 grandchildren, Shawn Shoffler, Lorne Shoffler, Scarlett Billings, Allen Shoffler III, charlene Walter, Thomas Shoffler, Keriann Harvey, David Shoffler, Angela Charnosky, Seth Hoover, Jesse Hoover, Edward Nolter, Jennifer Nolter and Tommy Fausnaught. In addition, 12 great-grandchildren, K.C. and Colby Shoffler, Christopher and Alexandra Shoffler, Nicolas Billings, Brittany Shoffler, Nicholas and Zachary Walter, Zeth and Falicia Harvey, and Addison and Brooke Charnosky.
A private memorial service will be held at the discretion of the family.
Arrangements will be handled by the Joseph Epler Funeral Home, Northumberland.