Joseph A. Imler Sr., 81 of Bedford, died Tuesday, July 12, 2016 at UPMC Passavant Hospital, Pittsburgh following a long and courageous battle with lung disease.  He was born on March 18, 1935 in Ryot, the first born son of the late J. Albert and Ruth E. (Mickle) Imler.  On April 7, 1957 at the St. James Lutheran Church in Imlertown he married Barbara M. “Toots” (Exline) Imler who preceded him in death on January 11, 2010.  He is survived by the following family: a daughter Alicia Jo (Alan) Leydig of Buffalo Mills, a daughter Patti Ann (William) Hinson, of Dillsburg, a son Joseph A. (Christine) Imler Jr., of Bedford; nine grandchildren: Jessica (David) Frye, Emily (Dan) Parks, Beth (Wade) Runk, Andrew (Marissa) Leydig, Jeremiah (Stephanie) Leydig, Benjamin (Kirsten) Hinson, Kerri (Nick) Sadvari, Erika Imler, and AJ Imler; nine great-grandchildren: Alena, Kiera, and Gracie Runk, Avery and Levi Hinson, Payton and Mackenzie Leydig, Stella Sadvari and Declan Leydig; and four brothers: James A. Imler of Arizona, Richard W. Imler, of Bedford, John M. Imler, of Bedford, and Samuel P. Imler, of South Carolina.

Joe was very proud of his military service having served in the Army during the Korean Conflict.  He then went on to own and operate his own tractor trailer, hauling coal for his father, and then driving for many companies including: Hiram Wakeman, A. Duie Pyle Inc., Jones Motor Corp Lancer Division, and RoDom Trucking affiliated with Bedford Pallets.  Joe was affiliated with the Pleasant Hill Bible Church and was a member of the Bedford Lodge #320 FA&M.  He enjoyed trout fishing, whitetail hunting, and recently started his restoration of an early 80’s mustang.  The family would like to extend their thanks to: the medical staff of UPMC Bedford Memorial, Dr. David Baer, Dr. David Rice, Dr. Nicholas Baker, and Dr. Puri.  They would also like to thank the staff of UPMC Passavant Hospital, and the nurses of the 6th Floor and CVICU for their love and compassionate care.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, July 15, 2016 at 11:00 a.m., in the Chapel at the Timothy A. Berkebile Funeral Home, in Bedford, with Lay Minister Jim Miller officiating.  Burial will be held privately.  Friends will be received on Thursday, July 14, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m., at the funeral home.  Our online guestbook is available at www.berkebilefuneralhome.com