Richard C. Koontz

Richard Charles Koontz 74 of Penn Street Bedford, passed away on Wednesday, October 25, 2006 at Pennknoll Village Nursing Home, He is survived by his wife Saundra (Sellers) Koontz.

Richard was born on August 20, 1932 in Bedford a son of the Late Paul B. and Blanche (Long) Koontz.  He was married to Saundra (Sellers) Koontz on June 18, 1955 in Bedford.  Richard is survived by a daughter, Kerin K. wife of William R. Horton and a son Richard C. Koontz Jr. both of Bedford.  2 grandchildren Shawn Koontz of Harrisburg and Amanda Horton of Bedford.  Richard is also survived by his brother Donald R. married to the former Harriett Amick Bajewicz of Plymouth Meeting, and a father-in-law Charles R. Sellers, of the Hollidaysburg Veterans Home.

Richard graduated from Bedford High School and attended the Pennsylvania State University where he was a member of the Blue Band.  Richard served four years in the Air force having served during the Korean Conflict.  Richard and his wife and family developed, built, and operated Sleepy Hollow Campground for ten years in the 1970’s.  Following his parents, Richard and his wife owned Koontz Music House.  He was founder of Koontz Alarm Service and still enjoyed operating Koontz Sound Electronics at his passing.

Dick enjoyed being involved in many community activities over the years, including the bicentennials of the Borough of Bedford and Bedford County, past president and past member of the Bedford Rotary Club, supporter of the development of Old Bedford Village, and the Bedford Fire Department.  Dick was involved with the Bedford County Fair as a stockholder, board member, board officer, and the racing committee for many years.  Dick was especially pleased to be involved with the moving and restoration of the Coffee Pot, which was built by his great-uncle, Bert Koontz.  Dick was a great supporter of stock car racing at the Bedford fair and the Bedford Speedway and never missed a race.  He was a member of the St. Johns United Church of Christ. A life-time member of the NRA and a member of the Bedford Lodge # 320

In later years, Dick and his wife enjoyed traveling and spending time with their family and fishing in the Outer Banks of North Carolina.  Dick and his wife also operated the Koontz Tree Farm where he enjoyed growing and selling Christmas trees.  He was an avid modeler of trains, planes and boats.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, October 28, 2006 at 11:00 AM from the Chapel at Timothy a. Berkebile Funeral Home in Bedford with the Rev. Dr. M. Edgar Datesman officiating. Friends will be received on Friday from 5-8 PM and 1 hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

Those wishing may make contributions to the Bedford County Fair, P.O. Box 244, Bedford, Pa. 15522, or to memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, Prostate Cancer Research, P.O. Box 27106, N.Y., N.Y. 10087-7106.