Lawrence Earle Blickenderfer's Obituary
Lawrence “Earle” Blickenderfer entered into the presence of the Lord May 22, 2015 at his home, surrounded by his family. He was born in 1933 to Ralph M. and Ruth Green Blickenderfer in Glassmere, PA. He grew up in Verona, PA and graduated from Penn Hills High School in 1952. He married Nancy Lee McLaughlin July 8, 1955. They had 4 children, Cheryl Lynn Hendricks (Jim), Vicki Lynette Van Hoogen (Jonathan), Ronie Earle Blickenderfer and Jamie Alan Blickenderfer(Emily). He worked for J.C. Murphy Co. and then entered the U.S. Army June 1953. He was honorably discharged in 1957 after serving his country in Germany and receiving the National Defense Service Medal. He worked as a Safety and Security Engineer for various industrial companies including J&L Steel, Weyerhauser, Texas-Gulf Sulphur, Texfi, Uranium Recovery Corp., Agrico, Plant City Steel and Mosaic. He enjoyed his many stints teaching First Aid and was active in substance abuse testing. As an indication of his extraordinary work ethic, his children forced him to retire at the age of 79 in 2013.
Earle was a member of the First Alliance Church in Lakeland for the last 38 years. He loved serving the Lord as an elder and treasurer. He often recounted his favorite church position teaching the junior high boys Sunday school class.
Earle was well known for his sense of humor, one-liners and laughter. It has been said of Earle that he never met a stranger. He was generous to family and friends always ready to come to the aid of those in need. His hospitality was evident as he and Nancy entertained many guests in their home. Earle was exceptionally proud of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, always delighting in bringing them treats and treasures. He loved spending time fishing and camping.
Earle was preceded in death by his parents Ralph and Ruth Blickenderfer, his brothers Floyd, Milton, Nelson, Marlin and Gene and sisters Ruth Flenner and Blanche Siverd.
He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Nancy, his four children and their spouses, 14 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren, his brother Lowell and his sisters Velma Myers and Maxine Pittman.
Visitation will be held Tuesday May 26, 6-8pm at Gentry-Morrison Funeral Home Southside Chapel.
A full military honors graveside will take place Wednesday May 27, 11am at Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell, Florida followed by a memorial service at 3pm at First Alliance Church, Lakeland, Florida.
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