Richard L. McElwee, 71, of Shenandoah, VA, formerly of Centre Hall, died, Thursday, January 1, 2009, at the Page Memorial Hospital in Luray, VA.
He was born June 3, 1937, at Pleasant Gap, PA, a son of the late Harold and Madeline Rankin McElwee.
December 16, 1958 he married Myrna (Penny) Machamer, who survives at Montvue Nursing Center, 30 Montvue Dr.,Luray, VA. 22835
Richard graduated from Bellefonte High School and served in the U. S. Navy. Following his discharge from the Navy, he enlisted and served in the Air National Guard for several years. He was a manufacturing supervisor for the Cerro Metals at Bellefonte and in Virginia.
He attended St. Luke Lutheran Church in Centre Hall, and was a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks in Bellefonte.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by a son, Cory J. McElwee and his wife Daphene Jo of Centre Hall, two grandchildren, Chelsea N. and Ryan M. McElwee, both of Centre Hall, and his mother-in-law Catherine Machamer of Lewistown.
Two sons preceded him in death; Cris McElwee, April 2, 1983, and Craig McElwee July 2, 1988. He was also preceded in death by a grandson Christopher McElwee, June 14, 1996; and two brothers, John and Harold McElwee Jr.
Friends will be received from noon to 1:00 p. m. Monday, January 5, 2009, at Mark D. Heintzelman Funeral and Cremation Service, 226 S. Pennsylvania Ave. Centre Hall, PA. The funeral will follow at 1:00 p. m. at the funeral home with the Reverend Russell L. Sauerwein, officiating. Burial will be in the Reformed and Lutheran Cemetery, West Church St. Centre Hall, PA
In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to St. Luke Lutheran Church, P. O. Box 331, Centre Hall, PA 16828
A guest book can be signed or condolences sent to the family at www.heintzelmanfuneralhome.com.