Jack Benner Hickernell

Jack Benner Hickernell, 93, of Chestnut Street, Meadville died Monday, January 5, 2009 at Wesbury United Methodist Community.

He was born in Meadville May 8, 1915 a son of Delbert G. and Frances Benner Hickernell.  He married Elvira Jane Peffer May 4, 1940 and she survives.

He attended Meadville public schools and graduated from Meadville High School in 1932.  He received an A.B. degree from Allegheny College in 1936 with a major in economics and a minor in sociology.  While at Allegheny, he was a student assistant in the Economics Department, participated in basketball and soccer and was manager of the swim team.  He was also a member of the Phi Kappa Psi fraternity.  In 1942 he received a certificate from the American Institute of Banking.

He was employed at Merchant’s National Bank and Trust Co. in Meadville as a commercial teller and auditor from 1936-1942.  He then worked at Spencer Hospital as controller until he went to work at the Keystone Ordinance Works as Senior Cashier and Paymaster from 1942-1944.  He then joined Talon Inc. as a Senior Accountant, Supervisor of Costs and Budgets and Administrator in Engineering.  He was also named curator of the Talon Museum.  He retired in 1978.  In his retirement he was Executive Secretary and Treasurer of the N/W PA National Tooling and Machining Assoc.

He was a member of First Presbyterian Church, a former Deacon, Trustee and was Secretary-Treasurer for 35 years.  His community service included: President of the Board of the YMCA, President of the Meadville Country Club and member of the Round Table.  He coached soccer, basketball, enjoyed golf and bowling.  He also enjoyed participating in every Meadville Medical Center Charity Follies (He never missed one.)

Survivors, in addition to his wife, Elvira of 68 years, include: three children, Glenn R. Hickernell and his wife Kathy of Conneautville, Sally Overpeck and her husband Drew of West Jefferson, NC and John R. Hickernell and his wife Mary of Kansas City, MO; nine grandchildren, Todd Overpeck and his wife Julie of Waco, TX, Scott Overpeck and his wife Amber of Houston, TX, Paul Hickernell and his wife Elise of Clarion, PA, Christopher Hickernell and his wife Marjorie of Philadelphia, Sarah Hickernell of Asheville, NC, Kimberly Hickernell of Clarion, PA, Brian Hickernell and his wife Missy of Rome, NY, Jon Hickernell and his wife Sheila of Salem, MO and Mark Hickernell and his wife Beate of Grafenwöhr, Germany; seventeen great grandchildren and a cousin Frederick Hickernell and his wife Theresa of Phoenix, AZ.

Calling hours will be Friday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at the Robert W. Waid Funeral Home, Inc., 581 Chestnut St., Meadville.

The funeral and committal service will be Saturday at 11 a.m. in the Chapel at First Presbyterian Church, 890 Liberty Street, Meadville, with the Rev. Brian K. Jensen, Pastor and Rev. Paul Hickernell, Grandson, officiating.

Burial will be in Greendale Cemetery.

The family suggests memorials be made to the First Presbyterian Church, 890 Liberty Street, Meadville, PA 16335 or the YMCA, 356 Chestnut Street, Meadville, PA 16335.