Obituary of Donald E. Bettleyon

Donald E. Bettleyon, 86, of State College, passed away October 3, 2023, at Juniper Village Brookline Wellspring Memory Care.

He was Born September 10, 1937, in Northumberland PA, to the late Ralph and Dorothy (Shuck) Bettleyon. On October 22, 1960, he married Judith O'Brien, who survives at home.

He is survived by two children, Lauri Sauers, of Bellefonte and Karen Bettleyon (John Briggs) of State College; one grandson, Michael Sauers (Kristen) and 3 great grandchildren, Addison, Gracie and Chloe of Mooresville, NC. Don is also survived by two of his siblings, Richard Bettleyon (Diane) of Lewisburg and Linda Schleig of Northumberland. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son Bryan Bettleyon and siblings Robert Bettleyon and William Barnhart.

Don was a 1955 graduate of Northumberland High School. He then served in the US Navy studying electronics from 1955-1958. After his Naval discharge he continued his education at Penn State University. Don was employed by Penn State University, and in 1964 he helped to install the transmitter on Penfield Mountain for WPSX(WPSU), he later moved to the Office of the Physical Plant retiring from there as an electronics foreman after 35 years of service to the University.

Don enjoyed many pastimes. He often rode on his beloved red scooter with his children and grandson. He later upgraded to a motorcycle and rode all over Pennsylvania and surrounding states. Don's love for bowling started in his early years, as one of his first jobs was a pin setter at a local bowling alley. He bowled for many years with his wife in State College and found fellowship after retirement with the men's senior league in Bellefonte. During their 62 years together Don and his wife traveled extensively with friends and family spending time in all 50 states and 2 countries. He was a history buff watching many PBS documentaries and reading books.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Juniper Village Brookline Wellspring Memory Care, or the Alzheimer's Association.

Services will be private per the family's request. Burial will be in Pine Hall Cemetery.

Online condolences and signing of the guest book may be entered at www.kochfuneralhome.com or visit us on Facebook.