Paul E. Hetrick

Paul E. Hetrick, 88, East Freedom, passed away Sunday, May 7, 2017, at The Lutheran Home at Hollidaysburg.

He was born May 27, 1928, at Nason Hospital, Roaring Spring, son of the late Leo F. and Lena (Kuhns) Hetrick.

Surviving are his wife of 66 years, Mary (Kelly) Hetrick; a daughter, Kelly Baronner and husband, Robert; two sons: Dr. Paul E. and Wife, Deborah, and Lee and wife, Susan, all of Hollidaysburg; six grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

Paul was a 1946 graduate of Hollidaysburg High School. He was a CPL in the U.S. Army, serving in the 11th Airborne in the occupation force in Japan from 1946-48. He retired as a motor tank salesman for Exxon, East Freedom, after 41 years of service.

For 22 years, he was a member of Spring Cove School Board, where he had formerly served as president. He was one of the five founding members of Freedom Township Fire Department, as well as a member of American Legion Post 522, Claysburg, where he was a past commander. He was also a member of Juniata VFW Post 8685, the 40 and 8 Club, a life-member of Hollidaysburg Alumni Association, Exxon-Mobile Western PA Retirement Club, and a life-member of St. Paul Lutheran Church, East Freedom.

Paul loved Civil War history and sat on the Civil War roundtable where he gave many talks on Gettysburg. He enjoyed woodworking, fishing trips to Canada, and spending time with his friends at Savage Hunting Camp, Lockhaven.

He also enjoyed spending Wednesdays with friends at Creekside Inn and helping at Baronner’s Farm, where he supervised the “pick your own” strawberry operation, graded sweet corn and brought a smile to the customers.

He was an avid story teller whose stories brought tears of joy and laughter to all who heard them. They will remain precious gifts bestowed with love to his family and friends.

His greatest achievement was his 66 years of marriage to his loving wife. His greatest gift was his loyalty to his family, a trait passed on to his children and grandchildren.

Friends will be received from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Thursday, May 11, 2017, at Sorge Funeral Home Inc., Hollidaysburg, where funeral service with military honors will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, May 12, 2017. Interment will be at New St. Mary Cemetery, Hollidaysburg.

In lieu of flowers, please make memorials to Freedom Township Fire Department, 139 Municipal St., East Freedom, PA 16637, or to St. Paul Lutheran Church, 130 Trail 969, East Freedom, PA 16637.

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