Richard E. Luse, 88, of Centre Hall, died Sunday, March 30, 2008 at Geisinger Medical Center in Danville.
He was born March 8, 1920, in Potter Township, a son of the late Ralph and Mildred Long Luse.
On June 8, 1941, in Beach Haven, he married Flossie E. Burris who preceded him in death on July 17, 2002.
Mr. Luse is survived by two daughters, Carol A. Billett (Taylor L.) of Bellefonte, and Esther K. Fultz (Gary R.) of Belleville; two sons, Thomas L. Luse (Donna R.) of rural Lewistown, and John A. Luse (Susan J.) of Aaronsburg; one sister, Inez Lauck of Pine Grove Mills; and two brothers, Dean S. Luse of Pine Grove Mills and William H. Luse of Centre Hall; thirteen grandchildren, and nineteen great grandchildren.
In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by a son Richard (Richie) C. Luse; a daughter Dora R. Breon; a granddaughter, and two brothers, Bruce Luse and an infant brother.
Richard graduated from Centre Hall Potter High School. He farmed for many years, and later worked for the Pennsylvania Bureau of Weights and Measures. He retired as a corrections officer from Rockview State Correctional Institution.
Mr. Luse was a member of St. Luke Lutheran Church where he served on the church council for several years. He was a member of the Old Fort Lodge # 537 of the Free and Accepted Masons in Centre Hall, and the Shanty Hollow Hunting Camp. Having a deep interest in the future of agriculture, he was also a member of the Centre County Soil Conservation Group. Richard was a member at large of the Patriotic Order of the Sons of America, and a former member of the Centre Hall Lions Club. After having voted in fifty consecutive elections, he was awarded a certificate for his faithfulness to vote consistently.
He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren, working on small engines, hunting, fishing, and traveling.
Friends will be received from 7 to 9 p. m. Wednesday, April 2, 2008, at St. Luke Lutheran Church, 301 N. Pennsylvania Ave. Centre Hall, PA with a Masonic Service scheduled for 9:00 p. m. at the church. The funeral will be at 10:30 a. m. on Thursday, April 3, 2008 at the church, with the Rev. Dr. Barry Folmar and the Rev. Russell L. Sauerwein officiating. Burial will be in the Reformed and Lutheran Cemetery, W. Church St. Centre Hall.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to the St. Luke Lutheran Church Roof fund, P. O. Box 331, Centre Hall, PA 16828
A guest book can be signed or condolences sent to the family at www.heintzelmafuneralhome.com