Robert E. Stein

Robert E. Stein, 82, of Meadow St., Meadville, and formerly of Dutch Hill Road, passed away Monday July 30, 2007, at 4:50 a.m. in the Transitional Care Unit of Meadville Medical Center.

He was born in Meadville, January 19, 1925 a son of Elmer C. and Mabel Ernst Stein.  He married Hazel Imes January 9, 1950 and she preceded him in death.  He subsequently married Noreen Werley Smith May 28, 1980 and she survives.

He was a June 1943 graduate of Meadville High School, and then entered the U. S Army, serving with the 287th Artillery Observation Battalion seeing action on Leyte and Okinawa.  He received the bronze arrowhead, the Asiatic-Pacific Theater ribbon with 2 bronze stars, the Philippine Liberation ribbon with 2 bronze stars, and the Purple Heart for injuries received in combat.

Bob had been employed by Ernst Conservation Seeds for 30 years, and previously by DeVore Construction Co., and also farmed with his brother Ernie in Union Township.  In his retirement, he enjoyed working in his woodshop.  Over the years he made and caned many rocking chairs, giving them as gifts to family and friends.

He was a member of St. John’s Community Church and had served as an Elder.  He was a former Community Committeeman for the Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service office, and a member of the Pennsylvania Farmers Assoc.

Survivors, in addition to his wife of 27 years, include 3 daughters, Rev. Kate Sather and her husband Al of Vancouver, British Columbia, Ruth Ford and her husband David of Franklin, TN, and Kathleen DeWese of Meadville; 2 sons, Russell Stein and his wife Paula of Seattle, WA; and Daniel Smith and his wife Shelly of Meadville; 7 grandchildren, Renee Ford of Colorado, and Rachael Ford of South Carolina, Justin Woodburn of Virginia, Ellen DeWeese, Joshua, Abigail, and Faith Smith all of Meadville; 1 brother, J. Oliver Stein and his wife Lois of Roanoke, VA, and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

In addition to his parents and first wife, he was preceded in death by one brother E. Ernest Stein.

Calling hours will be Friday from 2-4 & 7-9 p.m. at Robert W. Waid Funeral Home, Inc., 581 Chestnut St., Meadville.

The funeral service will be Saturday at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home with the Rev. Dr. Brian K. Jensen, Pastor of First Presbyterian Church and the Rev. James Huselton, Pastor of St. John’s Community Church, officiating.

Interment will be in St. John’s Cemetery, Union Township

Memorials may be made to Ernst Trail, c/o Community Health Services, 747 Terrace St., Meadville, PA 16335 or the Crawford County Historical Society, 411 Chestnut St., Meadville, PA 16335 or to a charity of the donor’s choice.