Rev. Dr. M. Edgar Datesman

Rev. Dr. M. Edgar Datesman, 85, of Arandale St., Bedford, died Monday December 31, 2012 at Colonial Courtyard.  He was born March 16, 1927 in Watsontown, son of the late Fred and Mary (Dunbar) Datesman.  He is survived by his wife, the former Gail Kochendarfer and three children; Miles E. Datesman, married to the former Laura Cleveland of Mechanicsburg, Daniel T. Datesman and fiancée Tina Dull, and Darcy wife of Kevin Windows both of Bedford, two step children: Mark Zembower married to the former Linda Hite and Lisa wife of Marty Henry both of Bedford, three grandchildren,; Ben and Joey Windows and Sydney Cleveland Datesman, one step Granddaughter, Ashley Beegle.   He was preceded in death by his first wife, Janet (Miller) Datesman and a sister Eleanor Habig.

Dr. Datesman graduated from Watsontown High School, entered Air Corp basic training at Kessler Field, Biloxi, MS and was eventually stationed at Stevensville Newfoundland, attached to the Medical Corp.  After discharge he attended Bucknell University graduating in 1950.  From there he enrolled in the Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, graduating and becoming an ordained minister in 1953 with a Master of Divinity and eventually earning his Doctorate of Ministry in 1983.  His first pastorate was in Port Allegany, he then studied at the University of Edenburgh, New College, and served as Pastor in West Calder, Scotland.  He came to Bedford Presbyterian Church in December of 1959 and served that church until his retirement in April of 1992, as pastor emeritus.  He also served in Schellsburg until the Churches merged, and preached for ten years in the summer months at Wells Memorial Church in Avalon, NJ.  He counseled for many years in grief recovery in the Bedford area.  He served 35 years on the Board of Bedford Memorial Hospital, chaplain and air officer of Bedford Fire Department, served on the Board of Home Nursing and Old Bedford Village.  He was a member of Bedford Rotary Club where he was a past president and a Paul Harris Fellow, and was Rotary Citizen of the Year.  He was also the Elks Citizen of the Year, and a member of Bedford American Legion Post 113, and was instrumental in starting Meals on Wheels and AA classes.  He was a deputy Sheriff and became known as the “Pistol Packing Preacher” and worked with the Sheriff to help with youth and drugs.

Dr. Datesman was a builder of Bedford County Rifles, was a bird carver, and enjoyed hunting in the hills and mountains of Pennsylvania, and surf fishing at Cape Hatteras.   He enjoyed traveling to Europe, the Holy Land and across the USA.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 5, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. from the Bedford Presbyterian Church with Rev. Doug Friant officiating.  Burial at Bedford Cemetery with full military rites conducted by the Fort Bedford Honor Guard.  Friends will be received on Friday from 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. at the Timothy A. Berkebile Funeral Home in Bedford, and from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service Saturday morning at the church.  Those wishing may make contributions to the Bedford Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 7, Bedford, PA, 15522 or Hospice Home Nursing, P. O. Box 352, Altoona, PA  16603 or the Bedford Fire Department, P. O. Box 655, Bedford, PA.  Our online guest book is available at www.berkebilefuneralhome.com.