Ardell W. Tyson, 83, of Centre Hall passed away peacefully on June 15, 2016.

Born December 29, 1932 in Wolf's Store, PA, he was the son of the late Carlos M. and Elsie N. (Bowersox) Tyson.

On July 25, 1952 he married the former P. Eleanor Duck who survives at home.

Ardell enlisted in the PA Air National Guard in Jan. 1951. He was called to active duty on Dec. 1, 1951 and was assigned to Grenier Air Force Base in Grenier, NH, where after a few months he was reassigned to an Air Defense Command early warning squadron at Empire, MI as a radar repair technician. He was released from active duty in Sept. of 1953.

He enrolled at Penn State Univ. in 1953. While at Penn State, he was working full time at the Air Guard as a Radar Repair Technician. He was recalled to active duty Oct. 1, 1961 for assignment in West Germany due to the Berlin Crisis. He was one of only four United States Airmen chosen by the US Army to cross the famed Checkpoint Charlie by bus into East Berlin, enabling him to view both sides of the wall, and then traveled by train thru much of Eastern Germany, witnessing the devastation still evident from WWII. He was released from active duty in August of 1962.

After graduating from Penn State in 1963, he received a direct commission as a First Lieutenant. On Oct. 19, 1974 he retired as a Major after 24 years of service to his country.

Ardell worked at Penn State in the Registrar's Office for 27 years, prior to his retirement in 1989.

After retirement, Ardell and Eleanor enjoyed cruises and traveling throughout the US (with the Finger Lakes Region in Central New York being a particularly favorite area to visit), and had taken several trips to Europe, including the areas where he was stationed in 1961-62. Ardell was an avid reader and amassed a vast collection of books focusing on WWII.

He was a member of the Trinity United Church of Christ in Centre Hall, the Millheim American Legion, and the RSVP where he volunteered and was on the board for 9 years. He was also a member of many outdoor and conservation organizations.

In addition to his wife Eleanor he is survived by two sons, Kerry (Debie) Tyson of Centre Hall and Brett (Belinda) Tyson of Pleasant Gap; three grandchildren, Derek (Katie) Tyson of Mentor, OH, Jenna Riggs (Dan) of Middletown, PA, and Katelyn Lissenden (Brett) of Charlottesville, VA; and two great-grandsons, Owen Riggs and Trent Tyson.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his stepfather, Hubert Williams.

According to his wishes, all services will be private and at the convenience of the family. Private burial will take place at Centre County Memorial Park with full military honors.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions in Ardell's name may be made to Pets Come First, 2451 General Potter Hwy, Centre Hall, PA 16828, Trinity United Church of Christ, 104 N. Pennsylvania Avenue, Centre Hall, PA 16828 or a charity of the donor's choice.

A guest book can be signed or condolences sent to the family at www.heintzelmanfuneralhome.com