John C. Imler Jr.

Today we have the most difficult of tasks as we say goodbye to our very best friend, husband, and father as he slipped quietly and peacefully into his final sleep at home surrounded by his wife and sons. John C. "Sonny" Imler Jr., 73, of Bedford, died Saturday, April 11, 2015 at home. He was born on July 24, 1941, in Bedford, a son of the late John C. and Magdalen M. "Dena" (Heming) Imler. On November 23, 1963, at the Everett Church of the Brethren he married Shirley (Burket) Imler, who survives along with two sons, John C. Imler III,  Shane S. Imler, married to the former Stacy Fichtner all of Bedford; two granddaughters:  Alexis Brooke and Raquel Lee Imler; and a brother, Robert L. Imler, married to the former Sandra Logue of Bedford.

Sonny was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Bedford, the Bedford Masonic Lodge  #320 and Harrisburg Consistory, the Bedford American Legion Post #113, and was a life member of the Pleasantville VFW Post #440.  He was a graduate of Bedford High School class of 1960 and spent most of his years driving truck.   First for Blackburn and Russell, followed by Sun Oil Company, then for Chemical Lehman, Tank Truck Rentals, and finally NES&L.  He was a honorably discharged as a Sergeant in the U.S. Army having served in the 505th Transportation Corps from 1965-1967 in Thailand where he hauled portable aircraft landing strips and support supplies during the Vietnam War.

He enjoyed the outdoors, and especially fishing and hunting; his very last year hunting, he took great pride in his white tailed buck, when it was listed in the 1994 Pennsylvania Game Commission's record book, and still ranks at 824 in the books.

He enjoyed keeping in touch with his friends and later, when less mobile, would call them at their homes, nursing homes and hospitals.   He always enjoyed his morning coffee his friends and in later years kept in touch with friends by phone, whether it was to their homes, nursing homes or hospitals.  He will be missed by his family, friends, and especially his cat Wrecker.

Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday, April 15, 2015, at 1:00 p.m., in the Chapel, at the Timothy A. Berkebile Funeral Home in Bedford, with Pastor Raymond E. Short officiating.  Burial at Bedford County Memorial Park, with full military rites accorded by the Fort Bedford Honor Guard.  Friends will be received on Tuesday, from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m., as well as one hour prior to the service on Wednesday at the funeral home. Those wishing can make memorial contributions in John’s name to the Humane Society of Bedford County, 1108 Lutzville Road Everett, PA, 15537, or choice of other charitable organization.  Our online guest book is available at www.berkebilefuneralhome.com.