Harry Walizer, 86, of Bellefonte, died at his residence on Friday, July 6, 2007.
He wes born on November 29, 1920 in Mackeyville to the late James T. and Carrie M. Jones Walizer.
In October 1965 he married P. Jean Cowher who survives at home.
After his graduation in 1939 from Lock Haven High School he served in the US Army Air Corps from 1939 to 1946 as a tail gunner on a B-17 with the 13th Air Force, South Pacific. He had flown in 37 combat missions, which included the attack on Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941 out of Hickman Field Air Base, the Battle of Guadalcanal out of Henderson Air Field, and the Battle of the Solomon Islands out of Fiji. He was shot down in the Battle of Midway. He was awarded various citations during his military career.
He returned home after the war to become part owner of the Bellefonte Milk Products with his brother Paul Walizer and brother-in-law Thomas Boob. He and Thomas were dairy farmers in the Nittany Valley area.
He was a Postmaster of the Mingoville Post Office.
He later received a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering from Tri-State College in 1964. He was a instructor at Michigan State University for a short time after.
He started work in 1965 as a civil engineer for the commonwealth of Pennsylvania, retiring in 1981. He held various positions - one as chief engineer of the Lamar section of interstate 80.
He was also a part owner of the Centre Democrat in addition to his wife, Jean, and the then Mayor Neil C. Wiggin and his wife, Elaine.
He was a member of the Fillmore United Methodist Church.
He was a member of the PA Association of Retired State Employees, a life member of the North American Fishing Club, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks in Bellefonte, and the National WW II Memorial Tribute to a Generation.
He especially enjoyed lake fishing and grouse hunting.
In addition to his wife he is survived by a brother, Grant W. Walizer of Nazareth; a sister, Nellie Walizer Boob Hays of Mingoville; and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a brother, J. Paul Walizer and two sisters, Lydia Walizer Furst and Mildred Walizer Fox.
Friends will be received from 1:00 to 2:00 PM on Tuesday, July 10, 2007 at the Mark D. Heintzelman Funeral and Cremation Services PC, 1034 Benner Pike, State College, PA 16801. A memorial service will at the funeral home with the Rev. Nancy Goff officiating. The burial will be held at 2:00 PM at the Cedar Hill Cemetery in Mackeyville on Sunday, July 22, 2007 with the Rev. Dwayne Bardo officiating.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to the AGAPE Fund c/o Fillmore Church, 126 Apple St., Bellefonte, PA 16823.
A guestbook can be signed at www.heintzelmanfuneralhome.com