W. Joe Smouse

W. Joe Smouse, 89, of Arandale Street, Bedford, died Friday, January 8, 2010 at Altoona Regional Hospital.  He was born December 25, 1920 in Everett, a son of the late John M. and Sally (Herman) Smouse.  On September 15, 1978 in Cumberland, MD, he married Anna M. Imler and she survives along with two children:  William J. Smouse, and Cathy wife of Daniel Vent both of Bedford, two step-children:  Vicky wife of Norman Williams of Bedford, and Jim Blattenberger and wife Bobby Jo of Warminster, PA, four grandchildren:  Shane Vent and wife Dana, Erin wife of Scott McGill, Justin and wife Kelli and Jeremy and wife Laura. Four step-grandchildren:  Tyler, Tanner, Chance Williams, and Roger Blattenberger, eight great grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by one sister Maxine Pearsons.

Mr.  Smouse was the president of the First National Bank in Bedford until the merger with Johnstown Bank and Trust in 1978 in which he then served on the board of Johnstown Bank and Trust Financial Corporation.  He was elected to the board of the Federal Reserve Bank in Philadelphia, by the banks in the states of PA, DE, and NJ.  He served as president of Bedford County Bankers and president of group six Pennsylvania Bankers. He was one of the organizers of the Bedford Development Council which brought to Bedford The Standard Register Company, The Shoe Factory, Hedstrom Corporation, Westinghouse, GM Distribution Center, Rockland Mfg, and L.B. Foster Company.  He was a Veteran of WWII serving two years in the Pacific Theatre with the 5th Air Force.  He was a member of the Bedford Presbyterian Church and various civic organizations including Bedford Elks, Bedford American Legion, several sportsman’s clubs, Everett Masonic Lodge # 524 F. & A.M., and Bedford Lions Club

Memorial Services will be Sunday, January 17, 2010 at 1:00 p.m. at the Bedford Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Doug Friant officiating.  There will be no visitation.  In lieu of flowers those wishing may make donations to the Bedford Presbyterain Church, 145 South Juliana Street, Bedford, PA 15522.  Arrangements by Timothy A. Berkebile Funeral Home in Bedford.  Our online guest book is available at www.berkebilefuneralhome.com.