Donald W. Hostetler

Hostetler, Donald W., 92, of Salix. Died Dec.29, 2012, at Arbutus Manor.  Born August 12, 1920 in Salix, PA, son of the late Newton K. and Mable (Shank) Hostetler. Preceded in death by parents; wife of 58 years, Marie (Lewis) Hostetler; infant daughter Judith; granddaughters Erin Lynn Hostetler and Dana Lynn Boyer; brother Dean S. Hostetler; and stepfather Harry J. Boyer.  Survived by these children:  D. Roger, married to former Nancy Slick, Salix; John, married to former Lynn Adams, Chambersburg; Marian, married to Charles Boyer, Salix; Jeffrey, Salix; and Joel, married to former Kimberly Hudson, Salix.  Don is survived by these grandchildren:  Jamie Boyer; Brian, Katie, Steven, Megan, Shelby, and Skyler Hostetler; and Molly Hostetler married to Tommy Nguyen.  He is also survived by one great granddaughter, Sofie Nguyen, and special caregiver and friend, Sandy Rose. Don was a 1937 graduate of Adams Township High School.  In 1941 he earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Penn State University in poultry husbandry.  He served his country in WWII from 1942 – 1945 as an Army Air Corps Tech. Sgt., earning the Air Medal award in recognition for courageous service in the Pacific Theatre. He was an agent with State Farm Insurance from 1956 – 1985, after which he retired and returned to his lifelong love of agriculture through gardening. Don was an active member of Salix Bethel United Methodist Church, where he was involved in various leadership roles, as well as teaching Sunday school.  Don was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, whose philosophy was to live life simply, and with Christian kindness.  He was well known for his unique use of words and phrases, and special way of telling stories. Friends received from 1 PM to time of Memorial Service at 2 PM Sunday Jan. 6, 2013, at Bethel United Methodist Church, Salix. Pastor Don Poole, officiating. Private entombment at Richland Cemetery Mausoleum with military rites by Menoher Post #155 VFW Ritual Team. Memorial contributions may be directed to Arbutus Park Manor; 207 Ottawa Street, Johnstown, PA, 15904; Salix Bethel United Methodist Church, 1021 Forest Hills Drive, Salix, PA 15952; or Windber Hospice, 600 Somerset Avenue, Windber, PA 15963 in memory of Don. Family is being served by Harris Funeral Home, 500 Cherry Lane, Richland. (Online condolences may be posted to www.wharrisfuneralhome.com)