W. Wilson Martz Sr.

W. Wilson Martz Sr. 87 of Friendship Village, Bedford died Monday September 17, 2001, at Donahoe Manor Nursing Home.  He was born on August 28, 1914 in Dormont, Pa.  A son of the late John D. and Carolyn (Hanson) Martz.  On October 28, 1938 he married La Rue  Mensch in McKeesport, Pa. And she survives along with the following children:  William Wilson Martz Jr. married to the Former Mary Ann Taylor of New Paris, Sandra M. wife of James Zembower of Bedford, and Gary L. Martz fiancée of Jan Lesh of Bedford, 12 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren, and a brother Murray of Elkridge, Md.  He was preceded in death by 2 brothers:  John and Homer, 1 sister Florine Keener and 1 son Ned W.

Mr. Martz was a member of the Centerville Methodist Church where he served on numerous committees.  He was a graduate of Greensburg high School and Penn State University.  He worked for the Dhia of Westmoreland County and managed Water Brook Farm (Currently Shawnee State Park) and Louden Hill Farm.  He worked for 7 years as a Superintendent of Highways for the Turnpike and 8 years as Superintendent of Highways for Bedford County.  He also owned and operated a dairy farm in Cumberland Valley Township.  He helped organize the Bedford Farm Bureau Cooperative, the Bedford Artificial Breeding Cooperative and the Bedford Hampshire Swine Association.  He organized a boy scout troop and was scoutmaster for 4 years.  He was an active member of the Democratic Committee and Citizens for Shapp Committee and was secretary to the Bedford Joint School Authority for 30 years.  He was a life member of the Elks Lodge 1707, The Fraternal order of the Police in Pennsylvania, a member of the Farmer’s Union and Bedford Moose Lodge 480 where he served on the administration for 15 years.

Memorial services:  Saturday at 1:00 PM at the Centerville Methodist Church with the Rev. Charles Leger officiating.  Burial at the convenience of the family.  Memorial contributions can be made to the “Gifts of Love” Centerville Methodist Church, 1052 Centerville Rd., Bedford, Pa. 15522.  Arrangements by Timothy A. Berkebile Funeral Home In Bedford.