Joseph D. Dishong

Joseph D. Dishong, 80, of Springdale Acres Dr., Bedford, died Sunday, May 22, 2011 at his home.  He was born on September 22, 1930 in Bedford, a son of the late John L. and Nellie (Smith) Dishong.  On April 23, 1960 in Bedford, he married Martha “Skip” Wertz, and she survives along with four daughters; Marcie wife of David E. Sellers Jr. of Dover, Lisa wife of David E. Clapper of Carlisle, Joleen wife of Jeffrey L. Clapper and Michele  wife of James B. King, both of Bedford.  Also surviving are 13 grandchildren: Kerri, Matt, Sarah and Joseph Clapper, Tom, Shawn, Jacob and Kateri Bowser, Levi and Codi Clapper, Trista and Kerstin King and Adam Wagner, three great grandchildren and one great, great grandson, three sisters; Janet wife of Owen K. Crist, Norma J. widow of Robert D. Foor, both of Bedford, Joyce M. wife of Ronald W. Clark of Monroeville and a brother John H. Dishong, married to the former Barbara Callihan of Everett.  He was preceded in death by his brother William Dishong and his sister Etta Foy.
Mr. Dishong served from 1953 to 1956 with the Army, and he was a member of Bedford American Legion Post #113.  He was a rural letter carrier, retiring in 1987, after 30 years.  He was a former Justice of the Peace, a former sales representative for Woodmen of the World Insurance Company, and a former school bus driver.  He loved his family, and especially enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren.  He loved hunting and fishing, going to auctions, working in his flower beds and gardening.  He also enjoyed his beef cows and farming.

Funeral services: Wednesday, May 25, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church in Bedford, with Rev. Raymond Short officiating.  Burial at St. Thomas Catholic Cemetery with military rites conducted by the Fort Bedford Honor Guard.  Friends will be received on Tuesday from 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. at the Timothy A. Berkebile Funeral Home in Bedford, and a ½ hour prior to the service at the church.  In lieu of flowers, those wishing may make contributions to Bedford Trinity Lutheran Church, 106 W. Penn St., Bedford, PA, 15522. Our online guest book is available at www.berkebilefuneralhome.com.