Reeder C. Singler passed away on Tuesday, September 2, 2003 after a brief illness.
Mr. Singler, age 82, known as Reed of 805 East Fifth Street, Bellwood, PA was born on November 17, 1920 in Tyrone, PA the son of William L. and Beatrice (Patton) Singler. He married Helen Bratton on January 15, 1944 in Tyrone, PA. She is surviving.
Mr. Singler retired after thirty-seven years as a conductor from Penn Central/Conrail. He was a graduate of Tyrone Area High School, Class of 1941. As a starting half-back on the State Championship team defeating Shenendoah in his senior year, he continued to reunite regularly with the members of that great team.
Reed retired after 27 years of combined military service as a First Sergeant with the Army Air Corps. He served in the Southwest Pacific from February 1941 through September 1945 with the Fifth Air Corps. He was assigned to the 309 Bomber Group, 90th Bomber Squadron, and 3rd Attack Group. He flew over 70 combat missions with the “Grim Reapers” as a tail gunner flying over the New Guinea war zone. He was awarded the Air Medal for meritorious service in flight, Pacific Combat Medal, Bronze Star with oak leaf clusters, multiple awards, various citations, commendations and special recognitions.
Reed was an avid fisherman in his retired years, fishing the Great Lakes for salmon with his sons. He also was a gun enthusiast and held a dealer license collecting current antique firearms.
He was a member of the United Methodist Church, American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Elks.
Surviving are four children Reeder C. Singler Jr. of Detroit, MI, James L. Singler of Bellwood, PA, John D. Singler of Detroit, MI and Michael L. Singler of Pleasant Gap, PA. Also surviving are six grandchildren, Reeder C. Singer, III of Detroit, MI, Ayrn K. Singler of Ft. Lauderdale, FL., J Ryane Johnson of Washington, DC, Matthew J. Singler of Missoula, MT, Tyler Singler of Pittsburgh, PA and Andrew Singler of Detroit, MI.
Reed was preceded in death by a sister, Blanche Singler Freeman and two brothers, Stanley P. Singler and Max L. Singler.
Friends will be received between the hours of 7-9 p.m. Thursday, September 4, 2003 at the Jon C. Russin Funeral Home, Bellwood, PA. Graveside services will be held at Blair Memorial Park, Bellwood on Friday, September 5 2003 at 10 a.m. with committal following.
Contributions in the name of R.C. Singler can be made to the American Cancer Society.
