Peace Time Veteran

February 19, 2010 Williamsport Sun-Gazette

Charles A. (Pop) Strayer, 76, a resident of 419 Chestnut St., Montoursville, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2010 in the Gatehouse at Williamsport.

Born in Mahoning Twp., Montour County, Pa., on Saturday, Aug. 26, 1933, he was the son of the late Elvin N. and Sadie (Umpstead) Strayer.

He was the husband of Frances (Sones) Strayer with whom he celebrated a 24th wedding anniversary on Nov. 29, 2009. Charlie honorably served as a Staff Sergeant with the U.S. Air Force during the Cuban Missile Crisis. He was last employed as a route salesman for Frito-Lay at Williamsport and had previously been employed by Meadow-Gold Dairies at Topeka, KS.

He was a member of the Radiant Light Assembly of God Church at Muncy and a member of Eugene Grafius American Legion Post 104 at Montoursville. He enjoyed fishing, boating, hunting, camping and playing pinochle. Charlie was the manager of four softball teams, Jersey Shore Assembly, where he was instrumental in establishing the Christian Softball League; First Southern Baptist of Williamsport; the Angels and the Radiant Light Assembly.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by three sons, Chuck Strayer, Muncy; Clifton (Christina) Strayer, Oval; Clark (Sherry) Strayer, Muncy; two daughters, Ann (John) Skoog, Williamsport; Debbie (Brad) Woolever, South Williamsport; one brother, Elvin N. Strayer, Jr., Allenwood; two sisters, Dorothy Manz, Halifax; Alma Bethel, Scranton; one step-son, Bryan Sholtis, Montoursville; one step-daughter, DeEtta Lassance, Philadelphia. He is also survived by 16 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. Charlie was preceded in death by one brother, Walter Strayer, and one sister, Lillian Care.

Funeral services will be conducted from the Radiant Light Assembly of God Church, 9565 Route 442 Highway, Muncy at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 20, 2010 with Rev. Tim Halbig, Pastor David McCoy and Rev. Tony Cruz officiating. Interment will be in the Muncy Cemetery. Friends may call on Friday from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Galen R. Betzer Funeral Service, 108 N. Main St., Muncy or on Saturday from 10 to 11 a.m. at the church. Graveside military honors will be accorded by the joint veterans organizations.

Mr. Strayer requested no flowers, if desired, new teddy bears or new toys may be brought to the funeral home or church and will then be distributed to needy children.

Please visit www.betzerfuneral.com to sign the guest book or send an e-condolence.