Alfred J. Shull

Alfred J. “Bud” Shull, 86 of North Juliana St., Bedford, died at home on Tuesday, November 30, 2010, surrounded by family and friends.  He was born October 4, 1924 in Windber, son of the late Chester E. and Hildur W. (Hedlund) Shull.  He graduated from Bedford High School in 1943, and lettered in football, basketball, and track and field.  He volunteered for and served in the US Army during the Second World War, and was assigned to the Pacific Theater.  Alfred served as a gunner in anti-aircraft batteries, attained the rank of sergeant, and was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, Pacific Campaign Medal, and the World War Two Victory Medal.  After discharge from the Army, Alfred worked for his father, and purchased a home for his mother.  During this time period, he also undertook flight training and secured a private pilot’s license.  He traveled extensively throughout the United States in the late 1940s and early 1950s, earning his living as a construction worker, lumberjack, and oil field worker in the Western states.  Alfred was employed at Interstate Motor Freight as a dispatcher and assistant terminal manager for almost fifteen years, and later shared ownership, with his late friend Norman E. Rose, of Tire Service Everett for more than a decade and later retired as Maintenance Director of Pennknoll Village.

On February 12, 1955, he married Helen Joyce Gardner, who remained happily married to him for 43 years, until her death in 1998.  He is survived by three children: a son Daniel and wife Joyce Shull of Hagerstown, MD, a daughter Pamela Miller wife of John Anderson of Williamsburg, VA, and a daughter Kimberly wife of Ernest Csapo of Ellicott City, MD, nine grandchildren: Darcy and Elliott Shull; Andrew and Daniel Miller; Paige and Taylor Anderson; Ian, Zachary and Emily Csapo.  He is also survived by his sister Martha Horner Benna of Bedford, several brother and sister-in-laws, and many nieces and nephews on both sides of the Shull-Gardner family.

In earlier years, Alfred was an avid hunter, fisherman, and a well-known fixture in local golf courses, well into his seventies.  He was a player-member of the Bedford Blue Devils, a touring semi-professional football team of the late 1940s.  He was a member of the VFW, the American Legion, and the Bedford Elks.  In politics, he was a faithful supporter of the Democratic Party, and was of the Lutheran faith.

As his health gradually declined over the last decade, he turned to gardening, baking pies, and cookies which he freely distributed to all. He enjoyed playing cards with friends and neighbors, and built an extensive collection of big band and jazz music that he greatly enjoyed.  The days of his retirement were filled with a background of music he loved. His family and friends will remember him for his sense of humor, generosity, his honest and open character, and the advice, support, and encouragement, he willingly gave to them.  He delighted in telling family stories, and in keeping in touch with his many friends and acquaintances.  He was an enthusiastic sportsman, a good soldier, a hard worker and honest businessman, a dutiful son and brother, a faithful husband, a supportive father and grandfather, a steadfast friend, and a good neighbor.

Friends will be received on Friday, December 3, 2010 from3:00 to 5:00 p.m. at the Timothy A. Berkebile Funeral Home in Bedford, where a service will be held at 5:00 p.m.  In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Star Equestrian, 13757 Broadfording Church Road, Hagerstown, MD, 21740, or Habitat for Humanity, 137 E. Pitt St., Bedford, PA 15522-131.  Our online guest book is available at www.berkebilefuneralhome.com.