Obituaries

Donald Starr Pence, 94 of New Bethlehem, died early Saturday morning March 29, 2014, at his home.  He was born on February 18, 1920 in Madison Township, Armstrong County, and son of Meade and Kathryn M. (Starr) Pence. He was married on September 3, 1940 to Lois K. (Mann) and she preceded him in death on May 14, 1994.

Don worked at the H K Porter Brickyard in St. Charles but his passion was farming which he did for most of his life. He served his country during World War II with the United States Navy in the Pacific Theater including the Battle of Iwo Jima. Don was also a member of the Walter W. Craig Post # 354 New Bethlehem American Legion.

He is survived by a son, Merlyn Pence and his wife, Patricia of Wamego, Kansas, three daughters, Barbara Switzer and her husband Larry of Aylett, Virginia, Donna Miller and her husband, Leland of Brookville and Debra Rensel and her husband, William of Templeton, seventeen grandchildren, thirty five great grandchildren, four great great grandchildren, a brother, Rev. Roger Pence of Butler, and a special friend, Betty Oss of Templeton.

In addition to both parents and his wife, Lois, Don was preceded in death by two sons, Larry D. Pence and Dennis R. Pence.

Visitation will be held on Monday, March 31, from 2 – 4 and 7 – 9 at the Alcorn Funeral Home in Hawthorn. The funeral service will be held on Tuesday, April 1, at 11:00 am at the funeral home with Rev. Cliff Hamilton officiating. Immediately following the funeral service the Walter W. Craig Post # 354 New Bethlehem American Legion will honor their fallen comrade. Interment will follow in the Kellersburg Lutheran Cemetery, Madison Township, Armstrong County.

The family suggests that memorial contributions may be made to the Clarion Forest VNA Hospice at 271 Perkins Road Clarion, Pa. 16214.

Online condolences may be sent to www.alcornfuneralhome.com