Delmar Eugene McCormick

Delmar Eugene McCormick, 79, of Allenwood, and formerly of Montgomery, passed away on Nov. 22, 2008 at his residence after being a 10-year survivor of lung cancer.

Born in Montgomery, on Sept. 24, 1929, he was the son of the late Harold E. and Gladys (Warner) McCormick. He and the former Marion R. Decker would have celebrated a 56th wedding anniversary on Nov. 27.

He was a 1947 graduate of Montgomery-Clinton High School. He served in the Signal Corps of the U.S. Army from 1949-1952. He was a veteran of the Army of Occupation and the Korean Conflict, and was stationed at headquarters in Tokyo, Japan for three years, serving under Generals Douglas MacArthur, Matthew Ridgeway and Mark Clark.

After returning from the service he graduated from the Williamsport Technical Institute where he trained to operate heavy equipment. He worked for the PA Dept. of Transportation as a heavy equipment operator and at Edwards Lakes to Sea and Trailways Bus Company as a bus driver for 25 years. He retired from Northern Central Bank 1995.

Mr. McCormick was an athlete in football and basketball for Montgomery Clinton High School under Coach Michael Guido whom he admired. He continued to enjoy sports through out his life both as a spectator and a competitor. He loved to play recreational games and was a strong competitor and, although a gracious loser, often said “it’s more fun to win.”

He especially enjoyed the fun and friendship of the White Deer Retirees golf league and Dr. Callenberger’s Bocci ball league in Picture Rocks.

Mr. McCormick was a member of the Grace Presbyterian Church in Montgomery, where he had served as elder.

He had an infectious laugh that demonstrated how much he enjoyed life. He was an extremely hard worker and wonderful provider for his family. It gave him great pride to be able to send his children to college and to make their way in the world. He was always interested in their lives and provided solid advice on any issues that concerned them.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by three children and their spouses, Lynn and Paul Matrisian, Nashville, TN; Paula McCormick and Dennis Van Denbos, Lander, WY; Brett and Sharon McCormick, Conroe, TX; two sisters and brothers-in-law, Janet and Robert Pate, Rafeford, NC; Jean and Gerald Ranck, Montgomery.

He was preceded in death by three brothers, Neal Richard McCormick, William LaRue McCormick and Harold Robert McCormick, who died in infancy and by one sister, Naomi L. Shrey.

Funeral services will be conducted from the Grace Presbyterian Church, 105 Second Street, Montgomery, at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 26, with Reverend Hobart G. Campbell, his pastor, officiating. Interment will be in the Fairview Cemetery, Clinton Twp., Lycoming County, PA. Visitation will be Wednesday from 1- 2 p.m. at the church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the American Association for Cancer Research, at www.aacr.org, or to the charity of your choice.

Services have been entrusted to the Galen R. Betzer Funeral Service. Visit www.betzerfuneral.com to sign the guest book or send an e-condolence.