Obituary of Wade Hampton Harpster, Jr.

Wade Hampton Harpster, Jr., 80, of Stormstown, died Saturday, February 25, 2012 at his residence. Born July 2, 1931 in Bellefonte, he was the son of Wade Hampton and Mary Rector Harpster, Sr. He married his childhood sweetheart, Helen C. Gibson, on December 18, 1956. She survives at home. Beloved father and grandfather, he is survived by his three children, Heather Harpster, of Stormstown; Mike Harpster and his wife, Tammy, of Tyrone; and Vicki Harpster and her life partner, Greg Davy, of Bellefonte; one grandson, Wade Michael Harpster; two granddaughters, Brittany Mingle and her husband, Brinton; and Brianna Harpster; and one great-granddaughter, Braelyn Mingle. Wade is also survived by his siblings, David Harpster, of State College; Thomas Harpster and his wife, Myra, of Tyrone, GA; Dallas Moyer and her husband, Stearl, of Easley, SC; and Linda Pearce, of Besigheim, Germany. He was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Ricky Harpster; and sister, Mary Lou Graham. Wade was a graduate of State College Area High School and a lifelong resident of Stormstown. He retired as an Electronics Technician from Penn State after thirty two years of service. He was a member of Gray's United Methodist Church, Stormstown. At one time, he was Sunday School Superintendent and served as Lay Speaker. He loved spending time with his family, walking in the woods, visiting neighbors and friends, and helping people. Wade found immense pleasure doing many things in his life such as gardening, telling stories, reminiscing, providing humor, faith and pep talks as needed. He enjoyed tinkering around the house and yard, and could be found working on various projects, usually fixing some of this and some of that. Wade was an eternal optimist and a gentle spirit…he was always smiling and had a positive attitude in life. Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, February 29, 2012 at Koch Funeral Home, 2401 S. Atherton Street, State College. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, March 1, 2012 at the funeral home with the Chaplain Richard Wilson officiating. Burial will be in Gray's Cemetery, Stormstown. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to donor's favorite charity. Online condolences may be made at www.kochfuneralhome.com.