Alfred S. Place

Alfred S. Place, age 96, of South Auburn, PA passed away, Monday afternoon, April 7, 2025 at his home surrounded by his family. This is the same home that he was born in on July 26, 1928 as the only son of the late Otto "Doc" Place (d. November 8, 1966) and Marie (nee Swisher) Place Sharer (d. June 19, 1999).

He was a graduate of the Meshoppen High School with the class of 1946. It was in high school when he met the love of his life, Barbara J. Richlin, on a field trip. They were married on March 1, 1949. Together they owned and operated Place's Place Farm, as a 3rd generation farmer. Alfred was in his glory when he was on his tractor in the fields and kept on driving tractors into his mid 90's. Alfred was also school bus owner/operator for 58 years.

Alfred was a member of the South Auburn Grange #1188, a social member of the Rought Hall American Legion Post #510, and a former member of the Meshoppen Rod and Gun Club. He was a proud blood donor for over 60 years. He took great pleasure being part of his father's band, the Doc Place Orchestra. He played the trumpet and drums at many different venues in the area. Alfred had a great sense of direction and would often take a drive on the dirt roads. He enjoyed the outdoors, whether it would be taking snowmobile trips up north with other local farmers, searching for arrowheads in the fields, or deer hunting. His love for the outdoors was second only to his family, which he cared for dearly. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren held a special place in his heart and was lovingly known as Grandpa Bum to them.

Alfred is survived by his children, Chuck Place (Brenda Smith) of South Auburn, PA, Debbie Perkins of Stevensville, PA, and Eric Place (Linda) of South Auburn, PA; his grandchildren, Rebecca McClain (Ashley) of Black Walnut, Jim Charnley of Easton, PA, Seth Perkins of Seattle, WA, Adam Perkins (Anna) of Bar Harbor, ME, Nathan Place (Courtney) of Lawton, PA, Ryan Place (Elizabeth) of Seattle, WA, and Erica Place (Kevin McGuire) of South Auburn, PA. He is also survived by his great-grandchildren, Maxwell McClain, Caitlyn and Jacob Charnley, Minnette, John, and Simon Perkins, Charlie and Roisin Perkins, Allie, Maddie, and Wesley Place and Luna and Elliot Place-Ryan; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents he was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara J. Place (d. February 21, 2013), his daughter-in-law, Mary Ann Place (d. January 27, 2014), his son-in-law, Chuck Perkins (d. February 13, 2018), his granddaughter, Cristen Charnley (d. September 21, 2024) and his infant great-grandson, Layne Xavier Place (d. April 4, 2012).

Funeral Services for Alfred will be held on Friday, April 11, 2025 at 1:00 PM from the Sheldon Funeral Home, 8206 SR 6, Meshoppen, PA with Lay Minister Vickie Ellis of the Beaver Meadows Church officiating. Interment will follow at the Beaver Meadows Cemetery. Family and friends may call at the funeral home on Friday, April 11, 2025 from 11:00 AM until the time of the service.

The family would like to thank all of Alfred's caregivers that helped keep him at home as well as the Sacred Heart Hospice for their compassion to all of the family.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the South Auburn Grange #1188, c/o Charlene Tewksbury, 1630 SR 3001, Meshoppen, PA, 18630 or to the Beaver Meadows Church, c/o Vickie Ellis, 2198 Clapper Hill Road, Laceyville, PA 18623.

Online condolences may be made at www.SheldonFuneralHomes.com.