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Thomas Franklin Beers

Thomas Franklin Beers, 95, of Templeton, PA, passed away Sunday, June 11, 2017 at ACMH Hospital.

He was born May 21, 1922 in Grampian, PA, the son of Thomas David and Kathleen (Maurey) Beers.

Thomas was a loving husband and a wonderful father. He served in the US Army in Company K, 326th Glider Infantry, 13th Airborne, during World War II. Thomas spent time in Sens, France and was stationed there when the war ended. Upon his return home, he attended the Indiana State Teachers College (now IUP) for four years, where he met his first wife, Opal. He earned a Bachelor's degree with a major in French and Spanish Secondary Education and minor in Social Studies. Thomas was also qualified to coach wrestling and wrestled for IUP during college.

He was a shipper for Harbison Walker in Templeton Works for 12 years and also worked in Clearfield, PA, Olive Hill, KY, and Portsmouth, OH for a total of 32 years. Thomas also worked in the sporting goods department at the Walmart in Kittanning for eight years and was a former member of the Pine Twp. Volunteer Fire Department.

His favorite pastimes were flying model airplanes, photography, fly tying, fishing, hunting, and watching the Steelers and women's softball. Thomas closely followed high school and college wrestling, and especially liked to watch the Penn State wrestling team. To brush up on his French and Spanish he would often watch You Tube videos, and he liked playing games on his iPad.

Thomas was well-known for his infectious smile, sense of humor and daily stories. He also loved eating at Kings and cruising the aisles of Walmart in his wheelchair in search of hugs and conversation, which he usually found! Every trip to town was an adventure. Thomas always found someone interesting to talk to no matter where he went - and if he knew any of their relatives he would find out.

He will be greatly missed by his children, Thomas D. Beers and wife, Debbie, Donald Beers and wife, Lorraine, Linda Susan Warrick, Rhonda Blaniar and husband, Barry, Jeff Beers and wife, Tawnya, and Kevin Beers and wife, Jamie; step-daughter, Shelly Fink and husband, Brian; grandchildren, Crystal Brooks, Jennifer Henry, Cheryl Marasco, Jeremy Febinger, Angela Febinger, Megan Bowser, Mike J. Toy, Charlie Blaniar, Jason Blaniar, Caryn Richardson, Joe Beers, Zachary Beers, Janna Beers, Tyler Crissman and Colton Crissman; numerous great-grandchildren; sister, Mary Lou McCracken and husband, Chuck; and many nieces and nephews.

Thomas was preceded in death by his parents; first wife of 39 years, Olive Opal (Irwin) Beers; second wife of 25 years, Zea Catherine (Gunia) Beers; grandson, Thomas Andrew Beers; and brothers, Jim and Dick Beers.

The family will receive friends from 2-4 and 7-9 PM on Wednesday, June 14, 2017 at Bauer Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 515 N. McKean St., Kittanning, PA.

Additional visitation will be from 10 AM until the time of funeral services at 11 AM on Thursday, June 15, 2017 at the funeral home, with Pastor Joanie Williams officiating.

Interment will be in Georgeville Cemetery, Smicksburg, PA, where military honors will be presented by the American Legion Honor Guard.

Contributions may be given in his memory to Templeton United Methodist Church Mission Fund, PO Box 177, Templeton, PA 16259.

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