Byron M. Dugan

Byron M. Dugan, 88, of 57 Heatherbooke Estates, Muncy, died Wednesday, March 14, 2012 at home.

Born Aug. 8, 1923 in Clarkstown, he was a son of the late Harry Preston and Laura (Michael) Dugan. On June 8, 1943, he married the former Betty J. Carpenter, who survives.

Byron was a 1942 graduate of Muncy High School, where he enjoyed an outstanding sports career. He lettered all four years from 1939 to 1942 in wrestling and football, and was Muncy’s first wrestling state champion, finishing his senior year with a 13-0 record. He was inducted into the Muncy High School Athletic Hall of Fame in 1978.

In 1943 he joined the U.S. Army and served during World War II, where he was stationed in China and Burma. His unit was assigned to the construction of the new Burma Road. In 1950 he was re-activated and served during the Korean War.

Byron attended the former Williamsport Technical Institute from 1946 to 1948 and worked as a mechanic at Harvey Corson’s garage and Stein’s Garage, both formerly in Muncy. In 1985 he retired from Sprout-Waldron, now Andritz, where he worked as a Master Mechanic in the Service Department.

He was a member of Messiah Lutheran Church, Clarkstown. In addition, he was a life member of Edward J. Smith Post 3428 V.F.W., Muncy; Roland Ritter Post 268 American Legion, Muncy; and the N.R.A. Due to his fondness for the outdoors and his desire to hunt and shoot, he and his brother, Milford, formed the Sulphur Springs Rifle & Revolver Club, Clarkstown, of which he was a charter member. He was also a member of Keystone Sportsman’s Club.

Byron possessed a great love for his family and enjoyed spending time with all his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. In his spare time he also enjoyed woodworking.

Surviving in addition to his wife of 68 years are one son and daughter-in-law, James and Diane Dugan of Saskatoon-Saskatchewan, Canada; five daughters and three sons-in-law, Diane Dugan of Harrisburg, Sharon Bitler of Clarkstown, Mary Lee and Wayne Ettinger of Williamsport, Loretta and Walter VanNuys of Selinsgrove, and Julie and Harold Miller of Greenville, SC; two sisters and brothers-in-law, Frances and Dean Spring of Clarkstown and Janet and Ray Confer of Muncy; 10 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents he was predeceased by two brothers, Alan “Cork” Dugan, who died in 2008, and Milford Dugan, who was killed in World War II; and two sisters, Mary Funk and Helen Marsh.

The funeral was held at 11 a.m. on Monday, March 19, at Messiah Lutheran Church, 2041 Rt. 442 Highway, Muncy. Officiating was his Pastor Beverly D. Cotner, interim pastor. Burial with full military honors followed in Muncy Cemetery. A luncheon for family and friends was served at the Clarkstown Fire Hall, Rt. 442, following the services.

Friends were received from 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday at Grenoble’s, 121 S. Main St., Muncy.

The family welcomes flowers; however, if desired, memorial contributions may be made to the Williamsport Dialysis Center, 1660 Sycamore Road, Montoursville, PA 17754.

Expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.grenoblefuneralhome.com