Thomas A. Aunkst

Thomas A. Aunkst, 79, a resident of Montgomery, passed away on Sunday, July 6, 2014, at his residence. Born in Delaware Township, Northumberland County, on Friday, Dec. 7, 1934, he was the son of the late Lloyd and Bessie (Wertz) Aunkst.

Tom was the husband of Shirley D. (Bennett) Aunkst with whom he celebrated a 49th wedding anniversary on Dec. 12, 2013.

He was a graduate of the former Delaware Run School. Tom honorably served in the U.S. Army. Tom was employed as a forklift operator by the former International Paper at Lewisburg, retiring in December of 1996.

Tom’s greatest joy was being with his family.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by two sons, Thomas R. Aunkst, of Montgomery, James R. and wife, Paulettte Bennett, of Tarboro, N.C.; three stepdaughters, Rhonda Gray, of Montgomery; Vicki Kay Hans, of Montgomery, Debra Lou Woodcock, of Williamsport; one stepson, Edward Allen Hall Jr., of Montgomery; one brother, Wayne Aunkst, of Muncy; one sister, Carol and husband, Paul Pentz, of Montgomery. He is also survived by 18 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; and six great-great-grandchildren. Tom was preceded in death by four brothers, William Aunkst, James Aunkst, Dean Aunkst and Leonard Aunkst and by three sisters, Helen Robbins, Maxine Hitesman and Shirley Walker.

Funeral services were conducted from the Delaware Run Wesleyan Church, 5570 Musser Lane, Watsontown at 1 p.m. on Thursday, July 10, 2014, with the Rev. Michael C. Reece officiating. Interment was in the St. John Lutheran “Brick” Cemetery, Clinton Township, Lycoming County. Friends called on Thursday from noon to 1 p.m. at the church. The family provided the flowers. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, Lycoming Unit, 1948 E. Third St., Williamsport, PA 17701-3945.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Galen R. Betzer Funeral Service, 40 E. Houston Ave., Montgomery. Please visit www.betzerfuneral.com to sign the guest book or send an e-condolence.