Obituary BARBARA J. THOMPSON, 68 Barbara J. Thompson, 68, of Hydetown, died unexpectedly in her sleep early Saturday morning, May 18, 2013, at her residence in the presence of her loving husband, Hugh I. Sturgis. She resided and raised her family in Hydetown for the past 40 plus years. Barb was born June 25, 1944 in the Pineville area (Southwest Twp.) of Warren County a daughter of the late Kenneth W. Grove and Geraldine Vincent Grove. She was formerly employed as a waitress at Perkins and Papa Carone’s. Barb recently volunteered to help at St. James Soup Kitchen. Her life was spent taking care of others. If you needed something or even if you didn’t, she was always there with cookies, hugs and words of comfort. Her home was the greatest source of joy and welcome to all. Barb was her grandchildren’s biggest fan whether it be football, basketball, baseball, softball, track, soccer and golf and most recently the greatest joy she knew was spending time with her great-grandchildren. She was a member of Cooperstown United Methodist Church. Barb enjoyed baking, swimming, reading, watching and feeding the local bird population; and spending time with her family and friends especially her grandchildren and sisters. Survivors include her loving husband Hugh I. Sturgis of Hyde town, whom she married March 10, 2000 in Las Vegas, Nevada, and she would always say he was one of the greatest blessings to come into her life; seven children, Randy Warner and his wife Kathy of Titusville, Candi Thompson and her husband Scott Johnson of Warren, April Averill and her husband Mike of Titusville, Tracy Hipple and her husband Kevin of Pleasantville, Pamela Brown of Pleasantville, Brenda Weismiller and her husband Ron of Erie and Theresa Galletta of Pleasantville; 15 grandchildren, Matthew Warner, Joseph Warner, Zachary Warner, Lucas Hipple, Adam Averill, Jason Averill, Jennifer Tice, Justin Brown, Casey Brown, Alex Weismiller, Adam Weismiller, Austin Weismiller, Alaina Lowros, Laney Brown and Tyler Brown; three great-grandchildren, Abigail Warner, Jacob Warner and Max Warner; Barb was anxiously awaiting the birth of great-granddaughter Baby Aubrey in September; two sisters, Nancy Loomis and her husband Rich of Dempseytown and Marlene Price of Cooperstown; several nieces and nephews; and special friend Karen Henry of Hydetown. She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother-in-law Morris Price. Relatives and friends will be received Tuesday from 4 to 7 p.m. at Leo N. Hennes Funeral Home, Inc, 203 E. Main St., Titusville. A private funeral service will be conducted for the family by Rev. Joseph P. Martin, pastor of Cooperstown United Methodist Church. Following cremation, interment of cremains will be in Jerusalem Corners Cemetery. The family suggests that memorial contributions can be sent to Hydetown Volunteer Fire Department, 12666 Main St., Hydetown, PA 16328 or to St. James Soup Kitchen, 112 E. Main St., Titusville, PA 16354. Condolences for the family can be sent to hennesfuneralhome.com. http://obituaries.expressionstributes.com/?o=a3a2289524 Obituary ROBERT H. “DUGAN” POPENEY, 87 Robert H. “Dugan” Popeney, 87, of the Hydetown area, died peacefully surrounded by his loving family at 7:10 p.m. Sunday, May 12, 2013, at Meadville Medical Center following an extended illness. Mr. Popeney was born April 28, 1926 in Titusville a son of the late Frank G. Popeney and Laura Moulin Popeney. Bob graduated from Titusville High School in 1944. Bob was formerly employed for over 30 years by Universal Cyclops Specialty Steel Corporation as a roll turner. He was a member of St. Titus Church where he served as an usher and minister of hospitality. Bob was a former member of Cyclops Quarter Century Club. Dugan enjoyed reading and watching golf and football. Survivors include his loving wife Naomi Irwin Popeney whom he married June 28, 1952 in Titusville; three sons, Robert I. Popeney, James D. Popeney and Vance L. Popeney, all of Titusville; a grandson Vaughan Popeney of Titusville; a sister Mary Brooks of Clarion; several nieces and nephews; a sister-in law Dorie Dowling Wescoat of Titusville; two brothers-in-law and their spouses, Paul Irwin and his wife Barbara of York and H. Lee Irwin and his wife Darla of Augusta GA; and special friend Ed Beauchat of Titusville. He was preceded in death by two sisters Anne “Betty” McMahon and Laura Murray. Relative and friends are invited to attend the Christian Wake Service at 3: 45 p.m. Tuesday (today) at Leo N. Hennes Funeral Home, Inc., 203 E. Main St., Titusville. Calling hours will commence from 4 to 7 p.m. A transfer service will be conducted at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday at the funeral home followed by funeral Mass at 10 a.m. at St. Titus Church with Father Walter E. Packard, pastor for the Catholic Community of Titusville as celebrant. Interment will be in St. Catharine Cemetery. The family suggests that memorial contributions can be made to a charity of one’s choice. Condolences for the family can be sent to hennesfuneralhome.com. http://obituaries.expressionstributes.com/?o=c429288941Obituary RICHARD G. LUCAS, 87 Our community is in mourning today; another World War II soldier has died. Richard G. Lucas, 87, beloved husband and soul mate of Margaret A. Lucas, passed into a better world at 4:50 a.m. Tuesday, April 30, 2013, at UPMC-Northwest in Seneca surrounded by his loving wife and granddaughters Christa and Becca after a period of declining health. His residence was in Pleasantville where he enjoyed yard work and gardening. He was born in Oil City, July 30, 1925 a son of the late Marvin J. Lucas and Twila Burger Lucas. He was a graduate of Oil City High School. Mr. Lucas served with the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II having been inducted September 27, 1943 in Erie. He was assigned to the 24th Squadron 6th Bomber Group as a tail gunner on a B-29 serving in the Eastern Mandates, Western Pacific and in the air offensive over Japan. Dick was awarded the Victory II Medal, American Theater Medal, Asiatic-Pacific with three Bronze Stars Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, Air Medal with three Bronze Clusters and Distinguished Flying Cross. He loved his country and was proud of the time he served with his buddies in the Army Air Corps. He was a wealth of information from his service days and enjoyed talking about all his experiences. He was honorably discharged November 29, 1945 at ORD Greensboro, North Carolina with the rank of sergeant. After returning home, he acquired his real estate license. He later joined the Molded Fiberglass Boat Company of Union City as a purchasing agent. Through his love for boats and water, he ran several tests on their new boats for safety and production-wise capabilities. He retired after 25 years and went to work part-time for Hasbrouck Sand and Gravel in Hydetown as a dispatcher. After a few years he retired all-together and spent his winters in Ocala, Florida. He enjoyed competitive shuffleboard; watching NASCAR; golfing and playing in several leagues; spending many hours in the woods hunting for whatever was in season at the time; fishing with his buddies in Canada every mid to late summer; and was avid Pittsburgh Steelers and Penn State fan. He also enjoyed spending many summers on Kibby Island near Tionesta watching his grandchildren growing up. Dick was a member of St. James Memorial Episcopal Church, VFW Post 5958, American Legion Post 368, and the 6th Bomb Group Association. Survivors include his wife of Pleasantville Margaret Acel Lucas, whom he married Friday the 13th, April 1982 in Kingsland, Georgia; a son Michael Lucas and his wife Karen of Berea, Ohio; a daughter Julie Simmons and her husband Jay of Cary, North Carolina; three granddaughters, Christa G. Lucas and Rebecca Utley both of Pittsburgh and Lori Lucas of Florida; a grandson Matthew Lucas of Huntsville, Alabama; a daughter-in-law Sheila Lucas of Surfside Beach, South Carolina; a brother Marvin J. Lucas and his wife Victoria of Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio; and his beloved pets “Critter” his tuxedo cat and “Spook” a Bombay panther cat. He was preceded in death by a son Richard G. Lucas, Jr. who died 20 years ago in Seattle, Washington. At the request of Mr. Lucas, no calling hours will be observed. A memorial service will be conducted Saturday, May 11, at 11 a.m. from St. James Memorial Church with Rev. Canon Martha Ishman, officiating. Inurnment will be in the columbarium at St. James Church. Full military burial rites will be rendered by VFW Post 5958 Honor Guard. The family suggests that memorial contributions can be made to the Venango County Humane Society, Deep Hollow Rd., Franklin, PA 16323, St. James Memorial Episcopal Church Memorial Fund, 112 E. Main St., Titusville, PA 16354 or to a charity of one’s choice. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Leo N. Hennes Funeral Home, Inc., 203 E. Main St., Titusville, PA 16354. Condolences for the family can be sent to hennesfuneralhome.com. http://obituaries.expressionstributes.com/?o=0e90287423 Obituary EDWARD P. RANKIN, 67 Edward P. Rankin, 67, of Goodwill Hill Rd., Grand Valley, died peacefully surrounded by his loving family at 9 a.m. Monday, April 29, 2013, at his residence following an extended illness. Ed was born December 23, 1945 in Titusville a son of Frank E. Rankin and the late Shirley Martin Rankin. He attended Titusville High School. He formerly served on the police and sheriff departments in Thermopolis, Wyoming. Ed also was active in the construction industry for many years until his health became a factor. Ed has been the president of Pinecreek Hunting Association for the past five years. He loved to play the guitar and sing. Ed played with several local bands over the years. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening and spending time in the outdoors. Survivors include his loving wife Bertha Woloszn Rankin of Grand Valley, whom he married February 20, 2013 in Youngsville; his father Frank E. Rankin of Titusville; two sons, Jason Rankin an his wife Sarah of Grand Valley and Shane Rankin and his wife Sarah of Thermopolis, WY; a daughter Joni Wescoat and her husband Kevin of Grand Valley; 11 grandchildren; a great-grandson; a sister Sue Duncan of Titusville; a niece Sonja Thomas of St. Petersburg, FL; two nephews, Cory Rankin of Corry and Chuck Duncan and his wife Veronica of Brownwood, TX; and many aunts, uncles and cousins. He was preceded in death by his mother, a granddaughter Katherine Wescoat and a brother Ronald Rankin. Relatives and friends will be received Wednesday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at Leo N. Hennes Funeral Home, Inc., 203 E. Main St., Titusville, where the funeral service will be conducted at 11 a.m. Thursday with Rev. Jerry Drake, pastor of Faith Community Church, officiating. Interment will be in Woodlawn Cemetery. The family suggests that memorial contributions can be made to Hospice of Crawford County, 310 N. Monroe St., Titusville, PA 16354, American Cancer Society, 320 Bilmar Dr., Pittsburgh, PA 15205-4620 or to a charity of one’s choice. Condolences for the family can be sent to hennesfuneralhome.com. http://obituaries.expressionstributes.com/?o=c03e287381Obituary LEONARD E. (LEN) BARKER, SR., 82 Leonard E. (Len) Barker, Sr., 82, of Buxton Rd., Titusville, died peacefully at 9:25 a.m. Wednesday, April 24, 2013, at his residence surrounded by his loving family following an extended illness. He was born October 26, 1930 in Titusville a son of the late Cecil L. Barker and Mildred Proctor Barker. Len was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force having served from December 1947 to July 1950. He later served with the U.S. Army in Korea having enlisted December 18, 1953. Len was honorably discharged December 16, 1954 with the rank of private first class. He married Beatrice Prody Barker May 2, 1953 in Titusville. Mrs. Barker died June 3, 2010. Len was formerly employed at Struthers-Wells Corporation, Allied Roll and Weyerhauser. He was a member of Bruce Shorts VFW Post 5958 where he formerly served as past commander 1967-1969 and also in other offices. He was also a member of American Legion Post 368 and PNA Group 2031. Len and his wife formerly attended the Breedtown Baptist Church. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and playing guitar. Survivors include eight children, Cecil Barker and his wife Linda of Meadville, Rose Marie MacQuarrie and her husband Steve of Titusville, Leonard E. Barker, Jr. of Titusville, Thomas Barker, Sr. and his wife Debra of Titusville, Mark Barker and his wife Holly of Diamond, Gary Barker of Titusville, Bonnie McCauley and her husband Brian of Titusville and Stephen Hatzenbiehler and his wife Ruby of Bremerton, Washington; 23 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; a sister Charlotte Danzer of Camp Hill; a brother Carl Barker of Titusville; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by a son Jamie Barker, a grandson Josh McCauley, two sisters, Lucille Schreffler and Patricia Bowen and a brother Edwin Barker. Relatives and friends will be received Friday from 2 to 4 p.m. at Leo N. Hennes Funeral Home, Inc., 203 E. Main St., Titusville. Full military burial rites will be rendered by the Titusville Honor Guard immediately following the calling hours at Woodlawn Cemetery chapel. The family suggests that memorial contributions can be made to VNA Hospice, 491 Allegheny Blvd., Franklin, PA 16323 or to a charity of one’s choice. Condolences for the family can be sent to hennesfuneralhome.com. http://obituaries.expressionstributes.com/?o=488e286766Obituary CAROL M. “COY” PETERSON, 71 Carol M. “Coy” Peterson, 71, of Titusville, died peacefully surrounded by her loving family at 11:40 p.m. Wednesday, April 24, 2013 at her residence. She was born November 30, 1941 in Titusville a daughter of the late Garrison Brady and Violet Roberts Brady. She graduated from Titusville High School in 1961. Carol was formerly employed as a nursing assistant at Grandview Nursing Home of Titusville for 15 years. She enjoyed cross-stitching, gardening, mosaic crafting and spending time with her family especially her grandchildren. Carol was a former member of Pleasantville United Methodist Church. She was a member of the YMCA. Carol is survived by her husband of almost 51 years Donald W. Peterson of Titusville, whom she married April 28, 1962 in Pleasantville; two daughters, Kimberly Burns and her husband Mat of Hydetown and Vickie Hoffman and her husband Rick of Hydetown; three grandchildren, Kayla Burns of Pittsburgh, Keith Burns of Hydetown and Christopher Hoffman of Hydetown; a great-grandson Logan Waychoff; a sister Sandra Sonne and her husband Richard of Saegertown; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by a sister Barbara Burt Anthony. At Mrs. Peterson’s request, no public calling hours or funeral service will be held. A private interment for the family will be conducted at Neilltown Cemetery. The family suggests that memorial contributions can be made to Hospice of Crawford County, 310 N. Monroe St., Titusville, PA 16354, the American Cancer Society, 320 Bilmar Dr., Pittsburgh, PA 15205-4620 or to a charity of one’s choice. Arrangements are under the direction of Leo N. Hennes Funeral Home, Inc., 203 E. Main St., Titusville, PA 16354. Condolences for the family can be sent to hennesfuneralhome.com. http://obituaries.expressionstributes.com/?o=60f1286875Obituary HARRY A. (BUD) EAKIN, 84 Harry A. (Bud) Eakin, 84, formerly of Titusville, died peacefully surrounded by his loving family at his residence in Dade City, Florida, Thursday afternoon April 18, 2013. He and his wife Betty moved to Dade City. Mr. Eakin was born September 29, 1928 in Oil City the son of the late Harry C. Eakin and Nora Fleming Eakin. He graduated from Pleasantville High School in 1946. Harry enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps June 4, 1946 at Buffalo, NY. He was honorably discharged May 9, 1947 at Quantico, VA with the rank of private first class. Harry was formerly employed at Universal Cyclops Specialty Steel Corporation in the cold roll from 1950 to 1971. He later went to work for Sysco Foods as a driver, He was a former member of Pleasantville United Methodist Church. Harry enjoyed hunting and woodworking. Survivors include his loving wife of almost 63 years Betty Rae Crocker Eakin of Dade City whom he married June 22, 1950 in Titusville; three sons, Samuel Eakin and his wife Donna of Orange City, FL, Daniel Eakin of Tionesta and Patrick Eakin of Titusville; eight grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; a sister June Walker of Meadville; his former daughter-in-law Patricia (Trish) Eakin of Titusville; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a granddaughter Terra Eakin, a sister Mary Nosko and a brother John C. Eakin. Relatives and friends of Mr. Eakin will be received Tuesday (today) from 2-4 and 7-09 p.m. at Leo N. Hennes Funeral Home, Inc., 203 E. Main St., Titusville, where the funeral and committal services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Wednesday with Rev. Donald Russell, pastor of Pleasantville United Methodist Church, officiating. Interment will be in Jerusalem Corners Cemetery. The family suggests that memorial contributions can be made to the American Heart Association, 823 Filmore Ave., Erie, Pa 16505, Hospice of Dade City, 37445 Clinton Ave., Dade City, FL 33525 or to a charity of one’s choice. Condolences for the family can be sent to hennesfuneralhome.com. http://obituaries.expressionstributes.com/?o=9ac5286482Walter S.(Hank)Wagner, 88, of West Central Ave. Ext., Titusville, died peacefully Tuesday afternoon April 16, 2013, at his residence following a short illness. He was born May 1, 1924 in Titusville a son of the late John and Pauline Wagner. Walt was a veteran of World War II having been inducted into the U.S. Army March 9, 1943 in Erie. He was assigned to Company A 157th Infantry in support of the 14th Armor Division. Walt served at the Battle of the Bulge. He was awarded the American Theater Campaign Medal, EAME Campaign Medal with two bronze stars, Good Conduct Medal and World War II Victory Medal. Walt was honorably discharged November 16, 1945 at Camp Fannin, Texas with the rank of private first class. He married Olga Sloniowsky in October 1947 at St. Walburga Church. Mrs. Wagner died April 28, 1990. Walt was formerly employed as a welder/fitter at Struthers-Wells Corporation and for the Boilermaker Union. He was a member of St. Walburga Church, VFW Post 5958 and the Boilermaker Union. He enjoyed trapping , hunting, reading and being an avid New York Yankee fan. Survivors include two children, Lori Myers of Kingsport, TN and W. Scott Wagner and his wife Kathy of Columbus, IN; his fiancee Eva Carter of Titusville; seven grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by five brothers John, William, Joseph, Frank and Anthony Wagner and two sisters, Mary and Helen. Relatives and friends will be received Friday from 3 to 5 p.m. at Leo N. Hennes Funeral Home, Inc., 203 E. Main St., Titusville. The funeral and committal services will be conducted at 5 p.m. at the funeral home with Father Walter E. Packard, pastor for the Titusville Catholic Community, officiating. Full military burial rites will be accorded by the Titusville Honor Guard. Interment will be in St. Walburga Cemetery. The family suggests that memorial contributions can be made to VFW Post 5958 Veterans Ramp Program, 206 St. John St., Titusville, PA 16354 or Titusville Area Hospital Foundation, 406 W. Oak St., Titusville, PA 16354. Condolences for the family can be sent to hennesfuneralhome.com.http://obituaries.expressionstributes.com/?o=336e285822Obituary LEWIS A. (NEWT) McGILL, 87 Lewis A. (Newt) McGill, 87, of Springcreek Rd., Titusville, died peacefully at 9:45 p.m. Monday, April 15, 2013, at Country Acres Personal Care Home. Mr. McGill was born December 5, 1925 in Bullion a son of the late Carl R. McGill and Grace Hovis McGill. Newt was a veteran of the Korean Era having been inducted into the U.S. Army September 22, 1950 at Erie. He served with the engineers in Germany. He was honorably discharged August 28, 1952 at Indiantown Gap Military Reservation with the rank of sergeant. He married Nola Jean Kightlinger June 26, 1953 in Rocky Grove. Mrs. McGill died January 28, 2000. Newt later married Betty Harness Anderson February 12, 2011 in Titusville. Mr. McGill was formerly employed by Windy Hills Farms for 44 years and Sanford Equipment Company for nine years. He was a member of the Church of Christ; VFW Post 5958 where he served as past commander and in many other offices and with the Honor and Color Guards; American Legion Post 368; AARP; and National Rifle Association. He enjoyed hunting and gardening. Survivors include his wife of Titusville; four children, Thomas McGill and his wife Lou Ellen of Titusville, John McGill, and his wife Maude of Centerville, David McGill and his wife Sharyn of Pittsburgh and Karen Scheske and her husband Todd of Rochester, NY; six grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; three step-daughters, Debra Kay Hindman of Titusville, Linda Sue Nottingham of Titusville and Rebecca Ann Anderson of Waterford; four step-grandchildren; six step-great-grandchildren; four sisters, Marie Schull of Boca Raton, FL, Shirlee Bell of Franklin, Carolyn McFadden and her husband Richard of Franklin and Barbara Searcy of Chapel Hill, TN; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by three brothers, Leonard, Zane and Richard McGill. Relatives and friends of Mr. McGill will be received Thursday (today) from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at Leo N. Hennes Funeral Home, Inc., 203 E. Main St., Titusville. The VFW will conduct a memorial service at 6:45 p.m. at the funeral home. The funeral and committal services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Friday from the funeral home by Pastor James Moore of The Church of Christ, officiating. Full military burial rites will be accorded by the Titusville Honor Guard. Interment of cremains will be in Woodlawn Cemetery. The family suggests that memorial contributions can be made to the VFW Post 5958 Shine Taylor Memorial Scholarship Fund. Condolences for the family can be sent to hennesfuneralhome.com. http://obituaries.expressionstributes.com/?o=eb26285820 Arthur F. Biltz, Jr., 66, of Titusville, died peacefully surrounded by his loving family at 5:14 p.m. Monday, April 15, 2013, at UPMC-Presbyterian Hospital in Pittsburgh following a short illness. Art was born December 24, 1946 in Titusville a son of the late Arthur F. Biltz, Sr. and Maude Barker Biltz. He graduated from Titusville High School in 1966. He was inducted into the U.S. Air Force December 12, 1966 at Pittsburgh. Art served with the 60 Civil Engineering Squadron. He was honorably discharged January 21, 1969 at Travis Air Force Base, Fairfield, California with the rank of airman first class. Art was formerly employed in the rolling mill of Universal Cyclops Specialty Steel Corporation. He owned and operated for many years Art Biltz Salvage and Demolition Co. He was a member at PNA Group 2031, American Legion Post 368 and VFW Post 5958. Art enjoyed hunting, carpentry and watching all sports. He is survived by his wife Donna Osborne Biltz of Titusville, whom he married October 29, 2012 in Titusville; four children, Jennifer Campbell and her husband Jamie of Franklin, Joshua F. Biltz and his wife Traci of Titusville, Shane A. Biltz of Titusville and Erin Biltz of Titusville; 15 grandchildren; four step-children, Brian F. Knight of Grantsville, West Virginia, Jerry L. Knight of Grantsville, West Virginia, Kimberly K. Knight of Titusville and Kayla M. Knight of Titusville; a sister Cindy Stockwell and her husband Kim of Titusville; two brothers, Dennis Biltz and his wife Debbie of Centerville and Robert Biltz and his wife Joan of Titusville; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a grandson Tyler Crow. No calling hours will be observed. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life Service for Art at the American Legion Post 368, 113 E. Central Ave., Titusville, on Monday April 22 at 2 p.m. The family suggests that memorial contributions can be made to any organization benefiting military veterans. Arrangements have been with Leo N. Hennes Funeral Home, Inc. Condolences for the family can be sent to hennesfuneralhome.com. http://obituaries.expressionstributes.com/?o=e3a0285989