Lee F. "Bud" Solt, 83, of Bellefonte, passed away on Wednesday, April 21, 2010 at the Mount Nittany Medical Center in College Township.
Born on April 16, 1927 in Bellefonte, he was the son of the late Lee C. and Edith (Passmore) Solt.
His wife of 43 years, the former Eleanor Walters, survives at home.
Earlier in life, he had attended Bellefonte public schools.
Bud began his career working for his father unloading freight and groceries, and worked other jobs with Dan Grove Motors, the Bellefonte Railroad and Titan Manufacturing. He spent 12 years with the State and Federal Fish and Wildlife Commission before moving on to managing bowling lanes in Centre county where he was able to combine his passion for bowling with his career. He retired as a plant mechanic at Rockview State Correctional Institute, with over 20 years of service.
In his younger days, Bud was a pitcher for the Bellefonte Fast Pitch League (Keckler's Chevrolet), and a relief pitcher for Galen Dreibelbis' Nittany Oilers.
He was a member of the Seven Mountains Bowling Association, and in 1987, was inducted into the Seven Mountain Bowling Hall of Fame. Many in Centre County and beyond knew Bud through fitting them with their bowling balls for over 40 years. He also loved teaching the game of bowling to junior bowlers and many others throughout Centre county. Bud was an avid gardener, who supplied family and friends with the fruits of his labor; and was an avid fly fisherman and fly-tyer. Bud would often reminisce of family trips to Towanda to fish with his brother-in-law, Walter, and visit with his sister, Virginia, and their family. He especially enjoyed cooking at Coon Run Hunting Camp for the Homan boys. Most of all, he loved spending time with his family and his beloved pets Ernie and Eddie.
He was a member of the Bellefonte Elks and held a lifetime membership within the Logan Fire Company.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by four daughters, Susan E. Rupert (David) of Huntingdon, LeeAnn Cinnamon (Andre) of Miami, FL, Maryann Eisemann (Curtis) of Mill Hall, and Amy Solt (Todd Merkel) of Portland, OR; two sons, Michael W. Solt (Melissa Beightol Solt) of Pleasant Gap, and Richard L. Solt (Mary Powers Solt) of Spring Mills; one sister, Virginia L. Rieck (Walter) of Towanda; ten grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by one sister, Marjorie Solt and a grandchild, Tyler Powers.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, May 8th at the First Baptist Church, 539 Jacksonville Road, Bellefonte under the direction of Pastor Larry Scouten. Following the service, there will be a gathering at the Bellefonte Elks. Burial will be private and at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Bellefonte Elks in care of the Home Service Program or the American Heart Association.
A guestbook can be signed and condolences sent to the family at www.heintzelmanfuneralhome.com.