Richard Umpstead Sr.

Richard E. Umpstead Sr., 77, a resident of 1220 Saegers Station Road, Montgomery, passed away Sunday, July 12, 2009, in the Muncy Valley Hospital. Born in Montgomery, Lycoming County, Thursday, March 10, 1932, he was the son of the late LeRoy and Clara (Barto) Umpstead.

Dick was the husband of Margaret S. (Swope) Umpstead, with whom he celebrated a 57th wedding anniversary, June 17.

Dick was a 1950 graduate of Montgomery High School.

He was retired as the maintenance-custodial supervisor for the Montgomery School District. He and his wife were the owners of the former Umpsteads Family Restaurant. He had previously been employed by the former Montgomery Mills, the Bi-Lo Plumbing Supply, Montgomery and the Woolrich Woolen Mills, at the Avis Plant. Dick was a PA State Constable.

He was a member of the St. John Lutheran "Brick" Church, Montgomery. Dick was the last surviving charter member of the Clinton Twp. Volunteer Fire Co., where he held every office, including chief from1963-1965. He was a former treasurer of the West Branch Firemen's Association, former president of the Central PA Constable's Association and former Clinton Twp. emergency management agency director. He especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by six children, Carolyn U. Girard, Montgomery, Richard E. Umpstead, Jr., Muncy, Audrey D. Costill, Montgomery, Linda H. (Richard) Bower, Altoona, Florence M. Wolfe, Turbotville, Hugh J. (OkSun) Umpstead, serving with the U.S. Air Force; sister, Freda (Edward) Yeagle, Watsontown; 13 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Dick was preceded in death by his brother, Charles Umpstead and his stepson, Benjamin Paul Reaser.

Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Thursday, July 16, 2009, from the St. John Lutheran "Brick" Church, 196 Brick Church Road, Montgomery, with Reverend Zach Labagh, his pastor, officiating. Interment will be in the Green Lawn Memorial Park. Friends may call from 10 to 11 a.m. Thursday, at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the St. John Lutheran "Brick" Church, 196 Brick Church Road, Montgomery, PA 17752 or to the Clinton Twp. Volunteer Fire Co., 2311 Route 54 Highway, Montgomery, PA 17752.

Please visit www.betzerfuneral.com to sign the guestbook or send an e-condolence.