Obituary of Don Shuey, 99

Don Harold Shuey, 99, of Pleasant Gap, passed away on Tuesday, July 24, 2018 at Centre Crest Nursing Home in Bellefonte. Born on October 5, 1918 in Bellefonte, he was the son of the late Philip Benner and Lulu Belle (Saxion) Shuey. His mother passed away when Don was young, and his late step-mother was Anna (Williams) Shuey.

Don grew up on a farm near Scotia and went to school in State College through the 10th grade, but he graduated from Bellefonte High School in 1937.

After graduation, Don served in the Army in the 472nd Engineer Maintenance Company in Guadalcanal, the first engineering maintenance unit in the South Pacific during World War II, where he earned the Good Conduct Medal, American Theater Service Medal, and Asiatic Pacific Service Medal with two Bronze Stars.

On April 5, 1942 he married the love of his life, Naomi Violet (Lucas) Shuey, who preceded him in death on November 21, 2008 after sharing 66 years of marriage together.

Don was a general contractor who started Witmer and Shuey Construction in 1947 with Ralph Witmer. Together they built many custom homes in and around State College. In 1977, he started Shuey Construction with family members. Through his work, he was especially proud of the many life-long friendships he developed with his clients.

Don was a good bridge player and was very happy when he and Nome were playing bridge with friends. They were both avid Penn State football fans and long-time season ticket holders. In addition, some of his best days were spent at the family’s cabin on the Bald Eagle Ridge.

Don was an active member of the Pleasant Gap United Methodist Church for over 50 years, serving on many boards and committees. He served on the Bellefonte School Board for ten years and was proud to provide his construction expertise to the committees that planned and oversaw the construction of the Marion-Walker and Benner Elementary Schools and the Bellefonte Middle School. Don was a life member of the Bellefonte Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks #1094 and the Pleasant Gap Fire Company. He was also a member of the Pleasant Gap Legion Post #867, a past member of the Pleasant Gap Rotary, and was involved for many years with the Pleasant Gap Cub and Boy Scouts.

Don is survived by three sons, Michael A. Shuey (Anna) of Pleasant Gap, William S. Shuey (Deborah J.) of Bellefonte, and Thomas C. Shuey (Carol J.) of Pownal, VT; six grandchildren, Christopher Shuey (Jennifer), David Shuey, Margaret “Meg” Sranske (Michael), Jeremy Hoffman, Jennifer Armet (David), and Joshua Shuey (Lara); and six great-grandchildren, Benjamin Sranske, Emma Sranske, Zachary Armet, Zoe Armet, Jacob Shuey, and Carsyn Shuey. Also surviving is one brother, Mark Shuey (Janet) of Bellefonte.

In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by siblings Daniel Saxion Shuey, P. Benner Shuey, Jr., Betty Sampsell, Mildred Reddcliff, and Wanda K. Buller.

Funeral services and burial will be private at the convenience of the family. Arrangements are under the direction of Wetzler Funeral Service, Inc. in Bellefonte.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Pleasant Gap United Methodist Church at 179 S Main St, Pleasant Gap, PA 16823.