David Shearer Ammerman, 81, of Clearfield, died Thursday, July 8, 2010 at his home in Bailey Settlement. Born June 5, 1929 in Curwensville, his parents were Scott D. Ammerman and Katharine J. (Shearer) Ammerman.
A native of Curwensville, he graduated with high honors from Curwensville High School in 1947 and attended Dickinson College in Carlisle. In August, 1951 he enlisted in the United States Air Force and served as an Air Force pilot until April 1956 during which time he rose to the rank of Captain. Mr. Ammerman was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for Outstanding Service as a B-29 aircraft commander while serving in Japan from 1954 – 1956.
He graduated from the Dickinson School of Law in 1960 with a Juris Doctorate degree. He was admitted to the Clearfield County Bar Association on May 9, 1960 and practiced law his entire career in Clearfield County. Mr. Ammerman received recognition this year from the Pennsylvania Bar Association for his 50 years as a member of the Bar.
Mr. Ammerman was active in community affairs, serving in the past as the President of the Curwensville Area School Board, as a charter member of the Clearfield County Planning Commission, member of the Clearfield County Library Federation, Lions Club, American Legion, Elks and VFW. He was also a co-founder of the Clearfield County Rails to Trails Association and had the original idea to convert the railroad line between Clearfield and Grampian into a recreational trail.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, the late Clearfield County Judge Joseph S. Ammerman.
He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Theresa (Harasti) Ammerman whom he married in 1971, and his brother, William C. Ammerman, 84, and his wife Sue of River Falls, Wisconsin.
In addition, he is survived by the following children: Becky A. Titus and husband Elliott Metcalf of Sarasota, Florida; Fredric J. Ammerman and wife Dona, Amy Yoder and husband David, and Jason Ammerman, all of Clearfield; Beth Gerg and husband Tom of Brookville; Jennifer Bloom and husband Jerry of Curwensville; and Tenley Ammerman of Philadelphia, as well as eleven grandchildren.
In respect of the wishes of Mr. Ammerman, there was no visitation or public funeral service.
It is suggested that memorial contributions be made to either the local public library or the Clearfield County Rails to Trails Association, 182 Irwin Lane, Curwensville, Pa 16833.