William Derhammer

90 years of age, beloved husband of Dorothy G. "Dot" (Wenner) Derhammer of almost 69 years, went peacefully to meet his Lord on Sunday December 27, 2015. He was born in Seiple Station, and but for 5 years that he resided in Allentown, lived his life in Whitehall. He is predeceased by his mother and father, Mable E. (Hausman) and Harry Derhammer, his brothers, Harry, Richard, Roy and sister Doris Fenstermacher, and children, Cynthia, who died in infancy and son Keith James. As a 15 year old, Bill lost his Dad, and as the eldest child, took on the care of his family, working on the farm and at the silk mill while going to school. He graduated from Whitehall High School in1943. After graduation, he enlisted in the Navy and served on the USS New York, where they bombed the shores of Iwo Jima so the troops could land. When the Korean War broke out, Bill served his Country again, this time on the USS Dixie in Japan. Bill worked at the Bethlehem Steel, then became a Whitehall Township police sergeant. He went on to work at Western Electric on their security force until he retired in1990. Bill was active in Fullerton American Legion Post #367 and served as the Post commander for 10 years. He very frequently stood as an Honor Guard at military funerals as they gave a 21 gun salute. He was a volunteer fireman with Fullerton Fire Co, member of Porter Lodge #284 F&AM, Rajah Shrine and Lehigh Consistory. He has been an active member of St. Johns Evangelical Lutheran Church for 57 years. Bill fiercely loves his family and friends. His loyalty & generosity went hand in hand with his faith & trust in God. Survivors: beside his wife Dottie; sons William A. and wife Fran, Randy J. and wife Debbie, Gary R. and wife Lorraine, Chris R. and partner Phil Agentis; daughter Karen J. Kearney and husband John L; grandchildren Michael, Jenna, Lisa, Lucus, Levi, Dawn, Halle, Ethan, Kelly, Ryan, Troy, Jasmine and Christopher; 12 great grandchildren; brother Paul and wife Betty; sister Pauline Evans. Services: 11:00 am Saturday January 2, 2016 in St. John's Ev. Lutheran Church, 835 Third Street, Whitehall, PA 18052, with Rev. Martha S. Sipe officiating. His viewing will begin at 9:30 am in Fritze Hall of the Church. Interment with Legion Honors will follow in Cedar Hill Memorial Park, Allentown. Contributions: are suggested to St John's Ev. Lutheran Church Memorial Fund at the address listed above. The Gilbert Funeral Home of Whitehall is honored to handle his arrangements