Claude E. Himmelwright

MIDDLEBURG - Claude Edward "Young Shorty" Himmelwright, 76, of 140 Academy St., Middleburg, (Borough of Freeburg), entered into eternal rest at 11:25 p.m. Monday, March 8, 2004, in Sunbury Community Hospital, where he was admitted that evening.

He was born Feb. 23, 1928, in Freeburg, Snyder County, a son of the late William H. "Shorty" and Lottie M. (Roush) Himmelwright. In 1949, he married the former Grace Helen Auman, who preceded him in death on March 18, 1993.

Mr. Himmelwright was educated at Freeburg High School.

On April 30, 1946, he was inducted into the Army, serving in Company F, 5th Battalion Reception Center, 1322nd Service Command Unit, during World War II. He was awarded the World War II Victory Medal and chose to re-enlist for another tour of duty and served as a technician 5 with the regular Army. He was honorably discharged on Sept. 29, 1947, and was awarded the Army of Occupation Medal for Japan for valor.

Following his return to Freeburg, Mr. Himmelwright was employed by John F. Miles Construction of Kulpmont. He then worked on construction projects for C.J. Lingenfelter Co. and retired from the International Union of Operating Engineers of Eastern Pennsylvania and Delaware, where he did mechanical construction projects in various states.

He was Lutheran.

Mr. Himmelwright was a life member of the Freeburg Volunteer Fire Company and a member of New Berlin American Legion Post 957.

He loved his family and his pet dogs, Queenie and Butchie, and his daughter's dog, Abby Jo. He also loved to do tinkering and repairs to small and large engines.

Surviving are three sons, Charles Himmelwright of Kreamer and George and Barry E. Himmelwright, both of Freeburg; one daughter and son-in-law, Barbara J. and Philip G. Moyer of Freeburg; four grandchildren, Adam M. and Misty S. Moyer and Jody Ann and Zachary Allen Himmelwright; one brother, William R. Himmelwright of Vowinckel; five sisters and four brothers-in-law, Shirley and Russell Baus of Gilbertsville, Marjorie A. and Harley "Elwood" Freed of Selinsgrove, Sally Ann Freed of Leola, Mary Lou and Larry Miller of RR3 Sunbury and Karen E. and Colin R. Clayberger of RR4 Sunbury; and two generations of nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by three sons, Robert, Donald and Claude "Corky" Himmelwright; one sister, Nancy J. Shaffer, on April 15, 2003; and two infant sisters.

Friends and family may call from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday at the George P. Garman Funeral Home, Mount Pleasant Mills, where the funeral will follow at 11 with Pastor Alice Pawling officiating.

Burial, with full military honors accorded by American Legion Post 25, Selinsgrove, will be made in Fairview Cemetery, Freeburg.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made, in loving memory of Mr. Himmelwright, to Evangelical Hospice, 1 Hospital Drive, Lewisburg, PA 17837, or to a charity of the donor's choosing.