Wesley Arlington Bouch

| August 9, 2017

Wesley Arlington Bouch, age 85, of Sigel, PA, passed away on Saturday, August 5, 2017, at the McKinley Health Center in Brookville, PA.

Wesley was born on April 10, 1932, in Harrisburg, PA, to the late Elmer and Elmedia May (Cooper) Bouch.

He graduated from the Sigel High School with the last class to do so.

Shortly after graduating, Wesley joined the United States Navy and served during the end of the Korean War.

He served on the USS Steinaker Destroyer, 863, which was stationed out of Norfolk, VA, as a Boatsman Mate, 3rd Class.

The Navy took him to many countries including Europe, England, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Spain, and the Mediterranean.

After his honorable service, he moved to Toms River, NJ, to work for his brother who owned Bouch Excavating.

On August 1, 1958, Wesley married Ruth (Cochran) Bouch in Toms River, NJ; Ruth preceded him in passing on April 10, 2009.

In 1962, Wesley and Ruth purchased their home in Sigel, PA, and he quickly became the road foreman for Eldred Twp.

His skills in operating heavy machinery helped him to secure work in many places including the VanSteenberg Lumber Company, Mauersberg Coal Company, Glacial Mineral, the REM Coal Company, Lineal Industries, and eventually returning to, and retiring from, working for Eldred Twp.

Throughout his entire working career, he worked on the family farm that he built. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and great-great-grandfather; to his posterity he was known as “Paw”. He loved being with all his family.

Wesley was a practical joker with a great and dry sense of humor.

He enjoyed having bonfires that his family and friends could join and create memories; a hot dog tasted better over an open fire than it did from a grill.

He stayed involved in his community, which was larger than just his neighborhood. Wesley would travel all over the county helping those in need, especially caring for the farms of those who took ill or came on hard times.

Everybody who knew him, loved him.

He gave all he could, found joy in the service to his fellow man, and expected nothing in return.

He was a past member of the Sigel Volunteer Fire Company, he enjoyed old cowboy movies, especially John Wayne movies.

He liked hunting, fishing, and being outdoors. He took great pride in caring for his family, his live stock, and his land.

Wesley built a life he could be very proud of, and his legacy will go forward for many years to come. He is survived by 2 daughters; Cheryl D. Bouch of Sigel, PA; Karen E. (Chris) Gilhousen of Sigel, PA; 1 son; Darl (Shelia L.) Bouch of Laceyville, PA; 1 sister; Minnie Pearl Coon of Oregon; 5 grandchildren; Nicholas (Kelly) Gilhousen; Tiffany (Ian) Musgrave; Conan and Dane Gilhousen; and Renee Bouch; 3 step-grandchildren; Debra, Diane, and Andrew Dexter; 2 great-grandchildren; Tyler and Nathanial Musgrave; 4 step great-grandchildren; Keirsty Holland, Brianna and Trace Lane, and Garrett Dexter; and 2 step great-great-grandchildren; Benjamin and Jonica Owen.

In addition to his wife and parents, Wesley is preceded in death by 4 brothers; Chester Leroy, Elmer Joseph, William Harry, and Merle Edward Bouch; 2 sisters; Virginia Bouch, and Catherine Ruth Katinsky.

A memorial service is scheduled for Saturday, August 19, 2017, at the Sigel United Methodist Church, 8666 PA-949, Sigel PA, 15860, beginning at 1:00pm, and officiated by Rev. Ann Dixon.

Interment will take place at the Coolspring Cemetery, Jefferson Co., PA.

Memorial contributions may be made in his name to the Sigel United Methodist Church, or to the Sigel Volunteer Fire Department, PO Box 97, Sigel PA, 15860.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the McKinney – d’Argy Funeral Home, ltd, 345 Main St., Brookville, PA, 15825.

Online condolences and other information may be found at www.mckinneydargy.com.


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Category: Obituaries