Gary Lee Nouse Sr.

Gary Lee Nouse Sr., 76, of West John Street, Bedford died Monday, February 22, 2016 at his home surrounded by his family. He was born on May 25, 1939 near York Haven, a son of the late Phillip Edward and Ethel Mae (Bell) Nouse.  On December 30, 1961, in Bedford, he married Ruth Maude (Ely) Nouse, who survives along the following family: two sons, Gary L. Jr. married to Linda (Walls), of Hyndman, Chris E., married to Jennifer (Gardner) of Bedford, a daughter, Julie A. (Nouse) married to Scott Kline of Altoona; seven grandchildren: Kelsey (Nouse), wife of Shawn Koontz, Matthew, husband of Alysia (Thompson), Laura (Nouse), wife of Marlon Gunby, Jilian (DeGennero), wife of Matt Birely, Justin DeGennaro, Cassidy Nouse, and Alivia Nouse; four step-grandchildren: Travis Bridges, husband of Stephanie (McKenzie), Ashley Bridges, Noah Kline, and Jessica (Kline), wife of Chris Burlingame;  six great-grandchildren: Kai and Keira Koontz, Andre and Ava Gunby, Owen Burlingame, and Easton Bridges; three brothers: James, married to Dorothy (Albright), of Manchester, Leon, married to Brenda (Brown) of Dillsburg, Dean, married to Vonnie (Howard) of Dover.  Gary was preceded in death by his brother Phillip, and five sisters: Janice Dugan, Leatrice Raine, Geraldine Enders, Shirley Eutzy, and Sherry Wintermyer.

Gary attended Manchester High School Class of 1956. He then enlisted into the US Army serving in the 82nd Airborne as a Military Police Paratrooper. Gary also served during the Beirut- Lebanon conflict with a later tour in Germany. In 1961, Gary came to Bedford as a Utility Contractor for Henkels & McCoy, installing the first direct dial phone system in the county. Later, he was hired as an installer for the United Telephone Company before retiring after 38 years as the regional manager of Bedford- Martinsburg United Telephone Company (later to be called Sprint). Gary formerly owned and operated a fire extinguisher business in the Bedford area under his name. In 1998, he joined the real estate team of Coldwell Banker where he earned some prestigious sales awards until his death.

When not with his family, Gary devoted his time to the community of Bedford in the following capacities; Bedford Borough Planning Commission, Bedford County Redevelopment Committee, Bedford County Airport Authority, Bedford Rotary Club- Past President, Bedford Area School Board Past President- 12 Years, Bedford Volunteer Fire Department- Past President and Lifetime Member- 47 years, The Independent Softball League- Umpire and Past President, Bedford Chamber of Commerce Cofounder and their 1st President, Bedford United Way- Past President and founder, Bedford County Community Choir, Bedford Elks Lodge BPOE #1707 Member, Bedford Elks Citizen of the Year Award, Bedford United Methodist Church having served in the Choir, Pastor Parish Committee, Finance Committee, Administrative Board, and a Trustee. The Boy Scouts of America Troop 82 Cub Master, Bedford American Legion, Bedford Main Street Manager Program Committee, Veterans of Foreign War Member, Bedford Lodge #320 F&AM Masonic Lodge, Bedford County Scottish Rites- Past President, Independent Telephone Pioneer Association- Past State President, Bedford ITP Association, Jaffa Drum and Bugle Corps of Altoona, and the Community Choir of Bedford County.

Of all the many activities Gary enjoyed, he truly loved working around his historic home, especially with his roses. He also loved the game of golf with his close friends, looking forward to the weekly matches at many courses. As a patriarch to his family and the great community of Bedford, he will be deeply missed.

Funeral Services will be held on Friday, February 26, 2016, at 11:00 a.m. at the Bedford United Methodist Church with Rev. Jeff Welsch officiating. Burial will be private with full military rites conducted by the Fort Bedford Honor Guard.  Friends will be received on Thursday, from 6-9 p.m. at the Timothy A. Berkebile Funeral Home in Bedford, and 1 hour prior to the service at the church on Friday.  Those wishing may make contributions in Gary’s name to the Bedford United Methodist Church, 132 East John Street, Bedford, PA 15522. Our online guest book is available at www.berkebilefuneralhome.com.