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John William Pryor
John William Pryor, age 90, of Rimersburg, passed away Thursday, September 1, 2011 at Brookville Hospital surrounded by his family.He was born in New Athens, Madison Twp., Clarion Co., on August 22, 1921, the son of Harry Matson and Hannah Belle (McCullough) Pryor.
John lived all of his life in the Rimersburg area and was a member of the Baker Street Church of God. Before being drafted into the US Army in January 1943, he worked in the coal mines and on the family farm. He proudly served his country as a member of the 180th Regimen of the 45th Division in Europe and fought in North Africa, Sicily and Italy. He was wounded in action and received the Purple Heart, four overseas service bars, and the European African Middle Eastern Theatre Ribbon. John was also a prisoner of war in Germany from November of 1943 to April 1945.
After returning home, he worked as a mechanic at Eshbaugh's Repair Shop in Rimersburg until 1984. Children in the Union School District will fondly remember John as the driver of bus number seven from 1953 until his retirement in 1989. He married Betty Eileen Eshbaugh at the Baker Street Church of God on November 21, 1951, and they shared 57 wonderful years together prior to her passing in 2009.
John loved his community and cared about everyone he met the way he would a family member. He was active in American Legion Post #454, Disabled American Veterans, and the NRA, and was a life member of the Military Order of the Purple Heart. When he had spare time, he was usually doing one of two things: building or inventing. John was at his happiest when spending time with his family. They all remember his calm personality but respected the way he was a quiet leader. He taught his children and grandchildren what hard work and dedication really is, and they will carry those lessons with them for the rest of their lives.
His memory will be carried on with love by his sons, Dean William Pryor and wife Melody, of Rimersburg, Dr. Leroy Edward Pryor and wife Madelene, of Brookville, and Scott John Pryor and wife Brenda, of Cortland, OH; daughter, Joyce McClafferty and husband Kevin, of Hookstown, PA; grandchildren, David Pryor, of NC, Andrew and Nicholas Pryor, of Parker, Paul and Timothy Pryor, of Brookville, and Joshua and Jocelyn Pryor, of Cortland; and daughter-in-law, Donna Pryor, of Parker.
John was preceded in death by his parents; loving wife, Betty Eileen (Eshbaugh) Pryor; his son, Alan Pryor; brother, Samuel Henry Pryor; half-brother, Charles Pryor; and one infant half-brother.
Relatives and friends may visit from 2-4 PM and 7-9 PM on Monday, September 5, 2011 at the Bauer-Hillis Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., 758 Main Street, Rimersburg, PA.
Additional visitation will be held from 10 AM until the time of funeral services at 11AM on Tuesday, September 6, 2011, at the Baker Street Church of God, 277 Baker Street, Rimersburg, PA, with the Rev. John Milliron officiating.
Military honors will be presented at the cemetery by the Rimersburg American Legion Post 454 and the VFW Post 7132. Burial will follow at Rimersburg Cemetery, Rimersburg, Clarion Co.
Memorial contributions may be made in John's honor to Eccles-Lesher Memorial Library, PO Box 359, Rimersburg, PA 16248, or to the Veteran's Memorial, c/o Jim McCullough, 231 Monterrey Road, Rimersburg, PA 16248.
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