Oliver R. “Pete” Smeal, 94, of Philipsburg and formerly of Gearhartville, passed away Wednesday, January 24, 2018 in Philipsburg. Born August 5, 1923 in South Philipsburg, he was a son of the late Roland & Bertha Mae (Fleck) Smeal. Pete was a lifelong member of Calvary United Methodist Church, West Decatur, where he was a very active volunteer, a former Sunday school superintendent and was a member of the board of Trustees. He also sang in the men’s chorus and men’s quartet. Pete was a former member of the Philipsburg VFW Louis P. Jenkins Post 3450 and was a volunteer for Boy Scout Troop 43. A veteran of the US Army, he served during WWII in Africa and Italy. He earned the Good Conduct Medal, Service Medal with 4 Bronze Stars and the Victory Medal. Pete was a truck driver for his uncle’s coal business then spent 35 years working for Harbison Walker and Glen-Gery from where he retired. Pete will be remembered for his big smile and sense of humor. On April 21, 1946 at the former United Brethren Church (now Grace United Methodist Church), he married Dorothiea C. “Dot” (Jackson) Smeal, who survives at home. Also surviving are three daughters Cheri Verbeck and her husband Robert of South Philipsburg, Nancy Fetters of Glen Hope and Debbie Johnston of Madera; a son Joseph R. Smeal and his wife Michele of South Carolina; three sisters Betty Fry of Philipsburg, Eleanor Jane Bryan of West Decatur and Linda Pelton and her husband Thomas of Morrisdale; a brother Edward Smeal and his wife Anna Mae of Houtzdale, 8 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren and a great great granddaughter. In addition to his parents, Pete was preceded in death by three brothers Robert, Roy “Jim” and George “Dick”, a sister Margaret and a great grandson Torin Verbeck. A memorial service to celebrate Pete will be held at Calvary United Methodist church, 167 Blue Ball Road, West Decatur, on Monday, January 29, 2018 at 1:00 pm with Pastor Sarah Kim officiating. Full military honors will be conducted at the church by members of the Moshannon Valley Independent Honor Guard. Burial will be at Mock’s Hill Cemetery. Friends will be received at the church on Monday, from 11am to 1pm prior to the service time. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Pete’s memory may be made to Calvary United Methodist Church, PO Box 41, West Decatur, PA 16878 or to the Disabled American Veterans, 11705 Knox Dale Road, Brookville, PA 15825. Online condolences to the family may be made at www.dahlgren-spewock.com Arrangements are under the direction of the Dahlgren-Spewock Funeral Home, Inc., 228 N. Centre St. Philipsburg, PA.

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