Samuel W. Gingerich, Sr.

MILL HALL - Samuel W. Gingerich, Sr., 79, of Lamar, passed away Tuesday, July 5, 2016 at his residence with his family by his side. He was born April 25, 1937 in Madisonburg, a son of the late Carl and Cora (Stamm) Gingerich. Sam was married to the former Merella K. Bauman who died in 2013. They celebrated 56 years of marriage together. He worked as a carpenter for Avis Homes and the former Griffin Chair Factory. Sam served in the U.S. Army for 24 years, 5 months and 11 days retiring in 1979. He enjoyed shooting pool, dancing and listening to country music. Sam was a member of the VFW Post#1630 auxiliary of Bellefonte. Surviving are three sons, Raymond Houtz of Avis, Samuel Gingerich, Jr., of Jersey Shore and George (Kimberly) Gingerich of Rote. Four daughters, Judy Bennett of Butte, Mont., Tammy Wynn of Lamar, Teri (J.R.) Kerns of Ridgeley W. Va., and Annette (Pat) Calhoun of Lamar, several grandchildren and great grandchildren. He is survived by six great great grandchildren. Also surviving are one brother Larry Gingerich of Bellefonte, and three sisters, Betty Lebo of Lock Haven, Helen (Russell) Peters of Beech Creek and Linda (Ed) Robbins of Lock Haven. He was preceded in death by two grandsons Roy Watkins, Jr. and Sylvester Houtz. The funeral service will be held at 1 p.m., Friday, July 8, 2016 at the Helt Funeral Chapel, 232 Hogan Blvd., Mill Hall with Rev. Canon Dee Calhoun officiating. Friends and relatives will be received one hour prior to the service. Interment with military honors will be at Rest Haven Memorial Park, Lock Haven. Contributions can me made to the funeral chapel.