Obituary of Lloyd McGarvey

Lloyd Paul McGarvey, 97, of State College, died peacefully early Friday, January 9, 2015 at Mt. Nittany Medical Center, State College. One of 11 children of the late Newton Blair and Virginia Miller McGarvey, he was born December 6, 1917, in Altoona. He is survived by his dear wife of 68 years, the former Dorothy Louise "Dot" Burkholder. Also surviving are two children, Anne Detmer and husband Greg of Bremen, ME, and James McGarvey and wife Suzanne, of Hamlin, NY; six grandchildren, Katherine Detmer, and Jonathan, Joshua, Philip, Peter and Gabrielle McGarvey; and his beloved little sister, Lillian Gayle Feather, of DeLand, FL. In addition to his parents and nine brothers and sisters, he was predeceased by his son, Paul McGarvey. Lloyd grew up in Altoona where he graduated from Altoona High School and studied engineering at the Penn State Extension. He worked as an electrician for the Pennsylvania Railroad until enlisting in the Navy after the attack on Pearl Harbor. He served as a chief electrician's mate on the aircraft carrier USS Barnes until the end of the war in 1945. He and his long time sweetheart Dot were married on January 22, 1946. Lloyd worked as an electrical engineer, and later as a quality assurance manager. Lloyd and Dot lived in Baltimore, MD, LaSalle, IL, Warsaw, NY, Indianapolis, IN, Lisle, IL and State College. Lloyd was a skilled handyman and enjoyed photography, woodworking, traveling, managing finances, and reading the news. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather, and his kindness, gentleness, humor and wisdom will never be forgotten. Lloyd loved the Lord dearly, and served in many roles in a number of churches over the years. Most recently, he was an elder in the State College Alliance Church. Lloyd also served as a compassionate friend, counselor and helper to many family members, friends and neighbors. He looked forward to seeing his Savior face to face, and was blessed to slip away to Him peacefully and without suffering. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, January 11, 2015 at 2 p.m. with the Reverend Aaron Henning officiating at the State College Alliance Church, 1221 Whitehall Rd, State College, PA. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Great Commission Fund of the State College Alliance Church. Burial will be in Alto-Reste Park Cemetery in Altoona, PA. Arrangements are under the care of Koch Funeral Home, State College. Online condolences and signing of the guest book may be entered at www.kochfuneralhome.com.