Bernard E. Stufft

Bernard E. “Rawhide” Stufft, 87, of Sweet Root Road, Bedford, died Saturday, September 28, 2013, at the Hollidaysburg Veterans Home. He was born on December 12, 1925, in Alum Bank, a son of the late Rayford and Celia (Taylor) Stufft. He is survived by the following family: three daughters:  Jeannie wife of Lee Plummer, Deborah Stufft and fiancé Jerald "Skeeter" Nicodemus, and Colleen Stufft, all of Bedford; four grandchildren: Dena Sigler and fiancé Mitch Stailey of Everett, Janell Downey of Bedford, Kimberly wife of Trevor Replogle, of Bedford, and Brady Plummer of Bedford; seven great-grandchildren: Keisha, Katee, and Kyla Sigler, Terrence Gunby, Kareem Simons, Abby and Sophie Replogle; and a brother Myron Stufft, of New Paris. He was preceded in death by a grandson, Jeffrey Davidson II, and a half-brother Harold Mickle.

Mr. Stufft was a World War II Veteran, serving in the Army.  In 1952 he joined the Ritchey Brothers Show, touring  the eastern part of the U.S., Canada, and playing shows on the weekends at the WWVA Jamboree in Wheeling, WV.  He also played on the TV shows: Country Music Jubilee, Blue Grass Gents, and the Blue Ridge Quartet.  He then entered the Bedford Police Department in 1954 serving for 14 years.  He then moved to the Everett Police Department from 1974 to 1988, and then worked as Chief Deputy for the Bedford County Sheriff’s Department until 1995.  He served on the Everett Borough Council until his appointment to Mayor from 1999 until 2011.  He enjoyed entertaining on and off stage, spending time with his family, and creating laughter with his never ending humor.

Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, October 3, 2013, at 11:00 a.m., in the Chapel at the Timothy A. Berkebile Funeral Home, in Bedford, with Pastor Jesse Topper officiating.  Full military rites conducted by the Fort Bedford Honor Guard.  Burial will be private.  Friends will be received on Wednesday, from 5-8 p.m. and an hour prior to the service at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers those wishing may make a donation in Bernard’s memory to: Bedford County Drug Task Force, c/o District Attorney, 200 South Juliana St., Bedford, PA 15522, or share a memory during the funeral service.  Our online guest book is available at www.berkebilefuneralhome.com.