John Benjamin “Ben” Smitley Sr.
John Benjamin “Ben” Smitley Sr., 65 years old, of Dunbar, Pa., passed away Tuesday, August 23, 2005, in Uniontown Hospital. He was born December 2, 1939, in Uniontown, Pa., son of the late John L. Smitley and Maria L. McHugh Smitley.
He adored and was adored by his children and grandchildren. He was a friend to all who knew him.
John was a member of Laurel Hill Presbyterian Church, Juniata Sportsmen’s Club, and was an avid hunter and outdoorsman.
He was the owner and operator of Evans Market in Brownsville, Pa., for 17 years, and a veteran of the U.S. Army.
He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Sarah Hunt Smitley, his mother Maria McHugh Smitley, a brother Robert (Bob) Smitley and wife, Mary Jean of Dunbar, a beloved son John Benjamin Smitley Jr., and wife, Tammy Jean of Uniontown, a beloved daughter Tammy Smitley Jordan of Lemont Furnace, a daughter-in-law Stephanie Smitley of Hopwood, his grandchildren, who were the light of his life, John Louis Smitley, Belinda Jean Smitley, Tyler Jordan and Julie Nicole Smitley, aunts Madalyn Smitley and Esther Dancer, several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, and cousins, nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, and his faithful companion “Lacey”
He was preceded in death by a son, Brian Scott Smitley, his father John L. Smitley and grandparents, Ben and Belle Smitley.
Friends will be received today from 7 to 9 p.m., August 25, and from noon to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m., on Friday, August 26, at the BURHANS-CROUSE FUNERAL HOME, 28 Connellsville St., Dunbar, Pa.
Services will be held at Burhans Crouse Funeral Home, Saturday, August 27, 2005, at 10 a.m., with Pastor Bonnie Hartley officiating. Interment will follow in LaFayette Memorial Park.