Gerald C. Bumbarger Obituary
Gerald C. "Jerry / Bummy" Bumbarger, 81, of Julian, passed away on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, at the James E. Van Zandt VA Medical Center in Altoona, surrounded by family. Born on January 7, 1943, in Clarence, he was the son of the late Basil C. and Elva G. (Parks) Bumbarger. On November 14, 1992, in Milesburg, he married Patsy K. (Burd) Dyke, who survives at home.
Jerry was a 1961 graduate of Bald Eagle Area High School. He enlisted in the US Army on July 17, 1961 and received his honorable discharge on July 16, 1967. He earned the rank of Specialist.
Jerry excelled at many jobs, but spent most of his career as Plant Foreman for Cerro Copper and Brass Co. He retired after decades of service in this position. Jerry was a member of the Milesburg American Legion Post 893, where he served in various officer positions, Bellefonte VFW Post 1600, Clarence Moose Club 1565, Clarence Democratic Club, and a past member of the Snow Shoe Fire Hall Social Club.
Jerry's true passion was golf. He was a member of the Belle Springs Golf Course in Clinton County where the staff and his fellow golfers were like a second family to him. He was known for always requesting the first tee time of the day — and getting it. After playing 18 holes, he would head home to watch golf on television. Did we mention that he liked golf?
As a lefty, Jerry skillfully played his guitar upside down, providing entertainment at local venues along with his fellow bandmates. He shared his other creative talents through painting, writing poetry and songs, and photography. In his younger years, he enjoyed the great outdoors by hunting, fishing, and canoeing, and later in life, he found pleasure in the beauty of nature, simply watching the birds and wildlife in his backyard. He also enjoyed shooting pool.
Jerry was blessed with a large family. He enjoyed spending time with them at the annual Bumbarger Reunion and was especially proud of his grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Jerry is survived by his wife; two sons: Westley B. Bumbarger and his wife, Joni, of Howard and Brian K. Bumbarger and his wife, Jeani, of Como, CO; step daughter, Kathy A. Davis and her husband, Alan, of Centre Hall; one brother, Gary R. Bumbarger and his wife, Linda, of Drifting; one sister, Carol J. Edelmann and her husband, John, of Street, MD; and his ex-wife and the mother of his children, Vicki L. (Peters) Wedler of State College.
Jerry is also survived by three grandchildren: Sage Maiolo (Channing), Wyatt Bumbarger, Kylie Patterson (Kevin); four step grandchildren: Ciara Musser (Brandon), Thomas Buchanan (Chelsea), Kyler Buchanan (Alyssa), and Teia DeArmitt (Nick); two great grandchildren: Finn Maiolo and Myles Patterson, and 14 step great grandchildren: Rylin, Ryder, and Rycen Musser, Leland, Zane, McKenzie, and David Buchanan, Emma, Ackland, and Axton Buchanan, Malaki, Adaleigh, Lalaie, Preston and Brayton DeArmitt. Jerry is also survived by his loyal companion and sweet little dog, Baby.
Besides his parents, Jerry was preceded in death by his brothers, John (Jack) Bumbarger and James (Jimmy) Bumbarger, and his sisters Gloria Jeffries, Shirley Hockenberry, and Betty Kelley.
Jerry's family would like to acknowledge the great service, support, and love that he received throughout his health battle from the clinicians and staff at the James E. Van Zandt VA Medical Center in Altoona.
A public visitation will be held on Saturday, June 8, 2024, from 11am until 1pm followed by a memorial service with Mr. Sam Gates officiating at the Daughenbaugh Funeral Home, 201 Spring St., Milesburg. Burial will be private at Advent Cemetery in Boggs Twp.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Janet Weis Children's Hospital, 100 N Academy Ave, Danville, PA 17822 or to Pets Come First, 2451 General Potter Hwy, Centre Hall, PA 16828.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Daughenbaugh Funeral Home, Inc. in Milesburg, PA.
