Jacob J. Boyer

Jacob J. Boyer
June 3, 1926- April 13, 2013
Dearly loved, sadly missed

Jacob J. ("Jake") Boyer, 86, of Palmyra, PA, died at Hershey Medical Center in Hershey, PA, on Saturday, April 13, 2013. He was born in Johnstown on June 3, 1926, to Mary Ethel (Stutzman) Boyer and Philip G. Boyer. He married Elinor P. Shaw in February 1947, and after a long and happy life together they celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary this year.

Surviving in addition to his wife are six of his children, Nancy (Boyer) Duras, wife of Edward Duras (deceased), Palmyra, Kenneth Boyer, husband of Minna Boyer, McKeesport, PA, William Boyer, partner of Dr. William Sheers, Washington, PA, Gloria Boyer, spouse of Dr. Dana Seidl, Carlisle, PA, Mary (Boyer) Adair, wife of David Adair, Warrenton, MO, and Matthew Boyer, partner of Gloria McCreary, Windber, PA, a sister, Grace (Boyer) Veil, wife of Robert Veil, Hagerstown, MD, and a brother, Philip D. Boyer, husband of Mavis (Malkinson) Boyer (deceased), Mineral Point, PA. He was preceded in death by sisters Millie Rose Boyer, Hagerstown, MD, Minnie (Boyer) Grove, Vinco, PA, and Ethel Vern (Boyer) Withers, Tampa, FL.

A son, James D. Boyer, husband of Pollyanna (Hester) Boyer, preceded him in death. Jake had six grandchildren, in addition to many nieces, nephews, and great-grandchildren. He also had an "honorary son," Robert Bucher, husband of Judith Bucher, Palmyra, PA.

As a young man, Jake attended Virginia Military Institute and Abilene Christian College, after which he briefly worked as a Church of Christ preacher. Later, he worked for 15 years at Griffith-Custer Steel in Johnstown, PA, followed by several years as a life insurance salesman for Metropolitan Life. Before retirement, he worked as a caretaker at Mill Creek Valley Farm in Johnstown, PA.

Jake was very proud to be a member of the U.S. Army and a veteran of World War II, where he spent most of his tour in Germany. He was a lifelong member of the Church of Christ and most recently belonged to the church in Lebanon, PA. He was an avid woodworker, outdoorsman, photographer, music lover, singer, collector of model cars, and baseball fan. He was known and loved for his sense of humor and his warmth. He loved animals and shared his life with many wonderful dogs over the years. He instilled a love and respect for animals in all his children.

Relatives and friends are invited to a visitation on Wednesday, April 17, from 10:30-11 a.m. at the Rothermel Funeral Home, 25 W. Pine Street, Palmyra, followed by a memorial service at 11 a.m. A reception with light refreshments will follow at the Shadowstone Village Community Center, on Spruce Street just west of Railroad Street, in Palmyra.