Ernest Charles Hampton, Sr., 80, of Port Matilda, died Thursday, February 04, 2010, at his residence.
Born June 25, 1929, in West Decatur, PA he was a son of the late Clark and Esther Hampton
On December 22, 1956, he married Barbara E. King, who preceded him in death on October 9, 1996.
Ernest was a 1947 graduate of Philipsburg Osceola High School.
He was a Korean War veteran, serving as a medic from 1952-1954. He was employed by the US government as a mail carrier in State College, retiring in 1991 after 30 years of service.
Mr. Hampton was a member of the State College American Legion Post 245, the State College VFW Post 1600, the Bellefonte Elks Lodge 1094, and the Pennsylvania F.O.P, Bald Eagle Lodge 51.
Ernie was a sports enthusiast. He was always attending sporting events, whether it was a Penn State game, the Pittsburgh Steelers or the Pirates, or his grandchildren's sporting events. He enjoyed listening and playing country music, fishing, being outdoors and dancing.
He is survived by two sons, Robert T. Stocks (Kelly) of Latrobe and Ernest C. Hampton, Jr. of State College; two daughters, Ginger S. Swanger (Richard) of Port Matilda and Cheryl L. Van Pelt (Scott) of Hurricane, WV; four brothers, Lloyd Hampton of Morrisdale, Vaughn Hampton of North Carolina, Robert Hampton of State College and Donald Hampton of Mount Joy; eleven grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.
In addition to his parents and wife, Ernest was preceded in death by a brother and three sisters.
Visitation will be held 9 - 10 AM, Monday, February 8, 2010, at Mark D. Heintzelman Funeral and Cremation Services, 1034 Benner Pike, State College where funeral services will be held at 10 AM with the Reverend M. Lee Ellenberger officiating. Burial will be in Grays Cemetery in Stormstown with military honors.
Memorial contributions may be made Park Forest Village United Methodist Church, 1833 Park Forest Avenue, State College, PA 16803.
A guest book can be signed or condolences sent to the family at www.heintzelmanfuneralhome.com