Oliver R. “Pete” Smeal, 94, of Philipsburg and formerly of Gearhartville, died Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2018 in Philipsburg.
Born Aug. 5, 1923 in South Philipsburg, he was a son of the late Roland and Bertha Mae (Fleck) Smeal.
He was a life-long member of Calvary United Methodist Church, West Decatur, where he was a very active volunteer, a former Sunday school superintendent and a member of the board of trustees.
He also sang in the men’s chorus and men’s quartet. He was a former member of the Philipsburg Veterans of Foreign Wars Louis P. Jenkins Post 3450 and a volunteer for Boy Scout Troop 43.
A veteran of the U.S. Army, he served during World War II in Africa and Italy. He earned the Good Conduct Medal, Service Medal with four Bronze Stars and the Victory Medal.
He was a truck driver for his uncle’s coal business and then spent 35 years working for Harbison Walker and Glen-Gery from which he retired. He will be remembered for his big smile and sense of humor.
On April 21, 1946 at the former United Brethren Church (now Grace United Methodist Church), he married Dorothiea C. “Dot” (Jackson) Smeal, who survives at home.
Surviving are three daughters, Cheri Verbeck and her husband, Robert of South Philipsburg, Nancy Fetters of Glen Hope and Debbie Johnston of Madera and a son, Joseph R. Smeal and his wife, Michele of South Carolina.
Also surviving are three sisters, Betty Fry of Philipsburg, Eleanor Jane Bryan of West Decatur and Linda Pelton and her husband, Thomas of Morrisdale; a brother, Edward Smeal and his wife, Anna Mae of Houtzdale; eight grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and a great-great-granddaughter.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three brothers, Robert, Roy “Jim” and George “Dick;” a sister, Margaret; and a great-grandson, Torin Verbeck.
A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held at 1 p.m. Monday at the Calvary United Methodist Church, 167 Blue Ball Rd., West Decatur, with Pastor Sarah Kim officiating.
Full military honors will be conducted at the church by members of the Moshannon Valley Independent Honor Guard. Burial will be at Mock’s Hill Cemetery.
Friends will be received from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Monday prior to the service at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Calvary United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 41, West Decatur, PA 16878 or to the Disabled American Veterans, 11705 Knox Dale Rd., Brookville, PA 15825.
Online condolences to the family may be made at www.dahlgren-spewock.com.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Dahlgren-Spewock Funeral Home Inc., 228 N. Centre St., Philipsburg, PA.