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Hilary Dean Schmouder

Hilary Dean Schmouder, 96, of Montoursville, passed away Sunday, Nov. 22, 2020 at UPMC Susquehanna. He was born on June 17, 1924 in Williamsport, the only son of Hilary D. Sr., and Etta (Holcomb) Schmouder, and brother to three sisters, Eloise, Rose and Joanne.

Hilary spent his early childhood in Trout Run. Later his family moved to Williamsport where he graduated from Williamsport High School. Always mechanically inclined, Hilary took additional classes at the Williamsport Technical Institute. He volunteered to join the Army in 1944 and served as a sergeant in the Army Air Corp in North Africa until the end of World War II.

Returning home to Williamsport in 1946, Hilary met the love of his life and future wife, Betty. The two married and soon after moved to Montoursville where they raised their three children.

Hilary had the luxury of working essentially for one company over his entire career, GTE Sylvania. Through most of this career, he was based in Montoursville, assuming positions of increasing leadership. At the time of his retirement, Hilary headed the Mechanical Maintenance Department. One of the innovative products he worked on…the FlashCube!

While Hilary and his family resided in Montoursville, his real passion was spending time at the family cabin along the Loyalsock Creek. For many years, the family spent much of their free time there enjoying the outdoors. Of course, fishing was always on the top of his must-do-list, but Hilary could also be found cooking on the BBQ grill, hunting the occasional deer and losing at croquet (Betty was a ruthless opponent!).

During his 36th-year retirement, Hilary and Betty had plenty of time to experience the love of a growing family of grandchildren and great-grandchildren. There was also time to travel with close friends to both familiar and exotic locations; including the Outer Banks, Germany, the Grand Canyon and Ireland. There is photographic proof that he did the hula in Hawaii.

Hilary was a member of Lodge 106 F&AM; and Bethany Lutheran Church.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife of nearly 70 years, the former Elizabeth (Betty) Louise Wilson.

Surviving are two sons, Dr. Robert L. Schmouder, of Berkeley Heights, N.J., and Gary R. (Melodie) Schmouder of Loyalsock; one daughter, Dr. Patricia S. (Charles) Miller of Turbotville; four grandchildren: Dr. Christopher T. Miller (Dr. Maureen), Dr. Vanessa M. Schmouder (Dr. Curtis Johnston), Dr. David C. (Krysta) Miller, and Janelle C. Schmouder (Nicholas Lewis); five great-grandchildren, Jack Miller, Tessa Miller, Boden Miller, Clara Johnston, and Robert Lewis.

There will be a private family graveside service on Friday, Nov. 27, at Montoursville Cemetery. Regrettably, the family has decided there will be no visitation due to the coronavirus.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Bethany Lutheran Church general fund, 369 Broad St., Montoursville, PA 17754.

Arrangements are being handled by Spitler Funeral Home, Montoursville.

www.spitlerfuneralhome.com