The Derrick, November 10, 2008: Herbert I. Bowser, 110 Corner St., P.O. Box 46, Distant Harry Robert Carpenter, formerly of Franklin and Oil City Jean Rader Coachman, Ridge Ave., Strattanville Edna C. Collins, East Hickory Linda Kay Persing Heffernan, Franklin Forrest "Frick" Jackson, Godfrey, Ill., formerly of Elk City Joseph F. Martyna Jr., Ravenna, Ohio, an Oil City Mary Lou Mills, Liberty Towers, Clarion Richard S. Sherman, Parker Theresa D. Southwick, 622 E. Walnut St., Titusville James D. Stranford, 3838 Route 257, Cranberry Township Herbert I. Bowser, 98, of 110 Corner St., P.O. Box 46, Distant, died Friday, Nov. 7, 2008, at his residence. Born May 29, 1910, in Distant, he was a son of Daniel and Hattie (Adams) Bowser. Mr. Bowser served in the U.S. Army during World War II and was a prisoner of war. He was a barber for more than 70 years. He was a member of the Oakland Church of God of Distant, where he served for many years on the board of trustees. Mr. Bowser was a lifetime member of the Walter W. Craig Post No. 354 of the American Legion in New Bethlehem. He was married July 22, 1930, to the former Grace I. Shumaker, who preceded him in death July 23, 2001. Surviving are a son, Roger Bowser of New Bethlehem; two daughters, Evelyn Wiant and Joan Facemyer and her husband, Frank, all of New Bethlehem; six grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and nine great-great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by a grandson, Terry Bowser; a brother, Kenneth Bowser; and two sisters, Ruby White and Violet Miller. Friends may call from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. today at the Alcorn Funeral Home, Hawthorn. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday in the funeral home with pastor Jimmy Swogger of the Oakland Church of God of Distant officiating. Harry Robert Carpenter, 66, formerly of Franklin and Oil City, died at 8:15 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 8, 2008, at Golden Living Center, Shippenville. Born June 27, 1941, in Sewickley, he was a son of the late Chester E. and Margaret Ann Kiston Carpenter. He lived most of his life in the Oil City/Franklin area. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1959 to 1962. Mr. Carpenter worked for Selker Brothers gas stations in the Oil City area and was last employed in the paint and hardware department at Wal-Mart. He was of the Protestant faith. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and woodworking. He was married Aug. 12, 1977, to the former Ruth A. Ginnery, who survives in Franklin. Survivors also include two daughters, Maryann McCain and her husband, Lonnie, of Franklin, and Elizabeth C. Carpenter of Oil City; three brothers, Chester R. Carpenter of Clarion, Myron B. Carpenter of Somers Point, N.J., and John R. Carpenter of Emlenton; and three sisters, Ruth A. Link of Portersville, Willa Jane Mayle of Michigan and Barbara Jo Whitton of Kennerdell. Also surviving are six grandchildren, Bradley McCain, Jayda R. Richter, Courtney Haswell, John Mark Emmons, Kelsi Marsh and Joey Dolenak. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two stepdaughters, Robin Sue Miller and Kimberly Ann Carpenter; a stepson, Robert Timothy Carpenter and his first wife. Friends may call from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday in the Hutchinson Funeral Home, 201 Bissell Ave., Oil City. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday in the funeral home with the Rev. Bonnie Stoudt, associate pastor of the First Church of God of Oil City, officiating. The family suggests memorial donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association, N/W PA Chapter, 110 W. 1oth St., Suite 212, Erie, 16501. Jean Rader Coachman, 81, of Ridge Ave., Strattanville, died Sunday, Nov. 9, 2008, in the DuBois Hospital. Born Jan. 8, 1927, in Miola, she was a daughter of Clarence McCleary and Lucy Younker McCleary, who preceded her in death. She was married first to Clarence E. Drayer, then William C. Rader and then, Frank A. Coachman, and all preceded her in death. She worked at Clarview Nursing Home and then Scotts Manors Apartments in Maryland for 18 years cleaning offices and apartments. Mrs. Coachman was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Clarion. Surviving are a son, William C. Rader of Oil City; two daughters, Linda J. (William) Ruffner of Treasure Lake, and Rhonda M. (Sam) Turner of Clarksville, Md.; three brothers, James McCleary of Miola, Richard (Kathryn) McCleary of Miola and David (Shirley) McCleary of Clarion; a sister, Lorna Wood-Strattanville; a grandson, David A. Hulihan; and one great-grandson. In addition to her parents and husbands, she was preceded in death by a daughter, Susan J. Hulihan; a grandson, William O. Hulihan; a sister, Helen L. Rader; and a brother, Russell L. McCleary. Friends may call from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at the Goble Funeral Home & Crematory, 330 Wood St., Clarion. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday in the funeral home with the Rev. Scott Hauser of the First Presbyterian Church officiating. Interment will follow in the Miola Cemetery. The family suggests memorials be made to the American Heart Association or the American Cancer Society. On line condolences may be sent to www.goblefh.net. Edna C. Collins, age 91, of East Hickory, died Friday, Nov. 7, 2008, at the Titusville Area Hospital, Titusville. Born May 2, 1917, in Tionesta Township, Forest County, she was a daughter of the late Edgar "Hass" and Cora (Blakesley) Hoovler. She was married Nov. 2, 1934, in Fredonia, N.Y., to Stanley R. Collins Sr., who died in May 12, 1988. She enjoyed sewing and reading. Surviving are three sons, Haskell Collins and his wife, Grace, of Tionesta, Stanley R. Collins Jr., with whom she resided with in East Hickory, and Ralph Collins and his wife, Sandi, of Tennessee; and two daughters, Evie Porta and her husband, John, of Tionesta, Fran Wimer and her husband, George, of Tidioute RD. Survivors also include two grandsons, Ed Collins and his wife, Dawn, of Kansas, and Shawn Collins of New York; five granddaughters, Patricia Scannell of Oil City, Debbie Ward and her husband, David, of Pittsburgh, Margot Abbott of Tennessee, Heather Maples and her husband, Billy, also of Tennessee, Meghan Garrison Snyder and her husband, Chad, of Oil City. Also surviving are eight great-grandchildren, Mary; Riley, Kelsey Jacob, Glenn, Kayla, Courtney and Haylee; a great-great-granddaughter, Mia; and a brother, William Hoovler and his wife, Norri, of Arizona. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by two sisters, Edith Range and Ethel Hoovler; and a granddaughter, Jennifer Lynn Garrison. Friends will be received from 6 to 8 p.m. today at the Norman J. Wimer Funeral Home of Tionesta. Funeral Services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Tuesday at the funeral home with the Rev. David A. Hart officiating. Interment will be at Neilltown Cemetery, Harmony Township, Forest County. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to one's favorite charity. Condolences may be sent by e-mail to condolences@wimerfuneralhome.com Linda Kay Persing Heffernan, 53, of Franklin, died Thursday, Nov. 6, 2008. Linda's family and friends were her source of joy and happiness. She was the wife of 34 years of Michael Heffernan, who survives. They spent much of their time together traveling on their Yamaha Road Star and celebrating her life as a breast cancer survivor. She was the proud mother of two daughters, Lindsey Heffernan and Shawna Leighty and her husband, Brad. She was the daughter of Rexford (deceased) and Mary Persing, and the daughter-in-law of Floyd and Betty Heffernan. She was the sister of Dennis and Larry Persing; and the sister-in-law of Shirley Persing, Jeanne Persing, Joe Heffernan and his fiancé, Kim Patton, and Jan Hartman. Linda was the aunt of many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, and was anxiously awaiting the arrival of her first grandchild, due in March 2009. Friends may call from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. today at the Morrison Funeral Home and from 10 to 11 a.m. Tuesday at the Oakland United Methodist Church. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday in the church with the Rev. Richard Roberts, pastor, officiating. Interment will be in Lamey Cemetery. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to Relay for Life, in care of the American Cancer Society, 10 W. Front St., Oil City, 16301. Forrest "Frick" Jackson, 99 of Godfrey, Ill., formerly of Elk City, passed away Sunday, Oct. 26, 2008, in the presence of his family at the United Methodist Retirement Village in Godfrey. Born Aug. 9, 1909, near Emlenton, he was a son of the late Clemons and Amanda Elnora Nevel Jackson. He was the last surviving member of his immediate family. Mr. Jackson retired from the Pennsylvania railroad after many years of service. He also owned a grocery store in Turkey City for many years. He was a member of Mount Joy United Methodist Church. Mr. Jackson enjoyed watching baseball and football games. On Christmas Eve 1929, he married Ruby Exley Jackson, who survives in Godfrey. The Jacksons would have celebrated their 79th anniversary this year. In addition to his wife, Mr. Jackson is survived by a daughter, Val Jean Prewitt and her husband, William, and their family, of Laguna Vista, Texas; a son, Forrest E. Jackson and his wife, Mary Elizabeth Rader-Jackson of Godfrey, Ill.; and four grandchildren, Jan Shaffer of Knox RD, Susan (Jackson) Boatright and her husband, Kenny, of Mascoutah, Ill., U.S. Air Force Col. Kevin Jackson and his wife, Malia, of Las Vegas, Nev., Greg Jackson of Fairview Heights, Ill.; and a step-grandson, John Rader of Kirkwood. Mo. Also surviving are nine great-grandchildren; two step-great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by five sisters, Amanda, Grace, Hannah, Garnet and Edna; three brothers, Edward, Ralph and Howard; a daughter-in-law, Shirley Shaner; a son-in-law, W. Edward Best; and a grandson-in-law, Everett Shaffer Jackson. The family will receive friends from 10 to 11 a.m. Wednesday at the Mount Joy United Methodist Church, Knox RD. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday in the church with the Rev. Chuck Jack, pastor of the church, officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. The family suggests memorial donations be made to the Mount Joy United Methodist Church, 159 Mount Joy Road, Knox, 16232. The David C. McEntire Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Joseph F. Martyna Jr., 60, of Ravenna, Ohio, passed away Friday, Nov. 7, 2008, in his home. Born Feb. 26, 1948, in Oil City, he was a son of the late, Joseph and Mary (Riley) Martyna, Sr. Formerly of Stow, Ohio, Joseph lived in Ravenna since 1990 and attended Immaculate Conception Church. He was employed as a cashier for Giant Eagle in Streetsboro. He is survived by his wife, Mary (Knarr-Timms) Martyna; a son, Michael Martyna; a daughter, Donna Krizo; a step-daughter, Donna Messmore; and grandchildren Shelby, Josie, Tiffany, Danielle, Samantha, Alexandra, Chasey, Michael and Michaela. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Julie Jamison. Calling hours and funeral services were held Sunday at Shorts Funeral Home's Ravenna Chapel. Interment will take place today at Clintonville ME Cemetery in Clintonville. Mary Lou Mills of Liberty Towers, Clarion, the wife of the late Arthur Mills, died Saturday, Nov. 8, 2008, at Clarion Hospital. The Richard D. Hillis Funeral Home of Rimersburg is in charge of arrangements. A complete obituary will be published Tuesday in The Derrick. Richard S. Sherman, 74, of Parker passed away at 9:42 a.m. Sunday morning, Nov. 9, 2008, at his residence following an illness. Born Sept. 19, 1934, in Emlenton, he was the son of the late Frank and Mabel Sheffer Sherman. He was a graduate of the former St. Petersburg High School. Mr. Sherman drove truck for Penreco at Karns City for 30 years, and was a member of the Teamster's Union. He was affiliated with the Park Hill Church of God at West Freedom. His hobbies included reading, watching cowboy and Civil War movies, and collecting model cars, especially antique models. Surviving are his wife, the former Vera Mahood, whom he married July 3, 1954; three daughters and their husbands, Lezlie and Terry Kriebel of Bruin, Jacqueline and Jeff Wilson of Big Bend, near Emlenton, and Kimberly and Mark Harned of Emlenton; a son, Richard Sheldon Sherman II at home; 12 grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren. Survivors also include three sisters, June Cervenec of Clintonville, Maxine (Bud) Lutsko and Helen (George) Guthrie, all of Florida; two brothers, John "Barney" Sherman of Emlenton and Harry (Ann) Sherman of Franklin; a sister-in-law, Arlene Sherman of Salem, Clarion County; and a number of nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Donald Sherman. Friends may call from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the H. Jack Buzard Funeral Home, Wayne Street, Parker. Funeral services will be conducted at 8 p.m. Tuesday in the funeral home with staff members of Park Hill Church of God officiating. Interment will be at a later time in Eau Claire Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Church Youth Camp Fund, in care of Parker Hill Church of God, Parker, 16049. Online condolences may be made at www.buzardfuneralhomes.com James D. Stranford, 94, of 3838 Route 257, Cranberry Township, died at 4:25 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8, 2008, at his residence. Born April 28, 1914, on Bully Hill, Franklin, he was a son of Alexander and Pearl Robison Stranford. Mr. Stranford graduated in 1932 from Oil City High School. He worked in the family business, the original A&B Stranford Dry Cleaners, retiring in 1973. Mr. Stranford belonged to the Order of DeMolay, Petrolia Lodge No. 363 F&AM; Venango Lodge of Perfection; and the New Castle Consistory. He also belonged to the northwestern Pennsylvania league of the Wolf's Head rifle team, the Rockland United Methodist Church, the Rockland Cemetery Association for more than 50 years, and was the last founding member of the Rockland Volunteer Fire Department, with more than 50 years of service. He was also a former Rockland Township supervisor and member of the Northwest Planning Commission. He was married Dec. 16, 1935, to the former Margaret Pyle, who survives. Also surviving are three children, James R. Stranford of Seneca, J. Robert Stranford of Maricopa, Ariz., and Lolla Smith of Bristow, Va.; 11 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; and one sister, Luzetta Malene of Phoenix, Ariz. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one brother, Allan G. Stranford; two sisters, Bertha I. Stranford and Sarah E. Stranford; and a grandson, James A. Stranford and his wife, Jamie. Friends may call from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at the Morrison Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday in the funeral home with the Rev. Rex Wasser, a grandson of Mr. Stranford, officiating. Interment will be in Rockland Cemetery. The family suggests memorials be made to the VNA Foundation, 491 Allegheny Blvd., Franklin, 16323, or the Rockland Volunteer Fire Department. Linda Kay Persing Heffernan, 53, of Franklin, died Thursday, Nov. 6, 2008. Linda's family and friends were her source of joy and happiness. She was the wife of 34 years of Michael Heffernan, who survives. They spent much of their time together traveling on their Yamaha Road Star and celebrating her life as a breast cancer survivor. She was the proud mother of two daughters, Lindsey Heffernan and Shawna Leighty and her husband, Brad. She was the daughter of Rexford (deceased) and Mary Persing, and the daughter-in-law of Floyd and Betty Heffernan. She was the sister of Dennis and Larry Persing; and the sister-in-law of Shirley Persing, Jeanne Persing, Joe Heffernan and his fiancé, Kim Patton, and Jan Hartman. Linda was the aunt of many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, and was anxiously awaiting the arrival of her first grandchild, due in March 2009. Friends may call from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. today at the Morrison Funeral Home and from 10 to 11 a.m. Tuesday at the Oakland United Methodist Church. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday in the church with the Rev. Richard Roberts, pastor, officiating. Interment will be in Lamey Cemetery. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to Relay for Life, in care of the American Cancer Society, 10 W. Front St., Oil City, 16301.