Benjamin Herbert Shindledecker

     Benjamin Herbert Shindledecker, age 89, of New Bethlehem, passed away early Tuesday morning, October 2, 2018 at the Jefferson Manor Health Center in Brookville.

     Born September 24, 1929 in Reynoldsville, he was a son of the late George Leonard Shindledecker and Hallie Rosetta Lingenfelter Shindledecker.  He graduated from Reynoldsville High School in the Class of 1948.

     Ben began his newspaper career while still in high school. He was a printer for the Reynoldsville Star until moving to New Bethlehem in 1965 to become the sports editor for the Rimersburg Record and Leader-Vindicator. He retired from the United States Postal Service, where he was a mail carrier and clerk at the New Bethlehem Post Office.

    For 42 years, Ben shared the gospel as the preacher of the White Chapel Community Church, Kellersburg Evangelical Missionary Church and Leisure Run United Methodist Church.  He also shared his ministry with the help of his family, through many music performances at area churches and community events.

    He was a member of the First United Methodist Church of New Bethlehem.

    Ben was a sports lover and for many years was the voice of the “Dawgs” (Redbank Valley Bulldogs) football. 

     He married the former Mary Lou Douthit on July 29, 1961 and she survives.

    Also surviving are their two daughters:  Lou Ann William and her husband, Michael, of Shermans Dale and Deborah Lynn Green and her husband, David, of New Bethlehem; three grandchildren:  Sarah Williams, Benjamin Williams and Matthew Green; one brother:  Timothy Shindledecker of DuBois; one sister: Lily Melton and husband, Gary, of West Virginia and numerous nieces and nephews.

     In addition to his parents, Ben was preceded in death by a brother, Ivan and four sisters:  Nellie, Theda, Alice and Hallie.

     Family and friends will be received from 4-8 p.m. Saturday, October 6, 2018 at the Rupert Funeral Home and Cremation Service chapel, 233 Penn Street, New Bethlehem and from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Sunday, October 7, 2018 in the First United Methodist Church, 234 Penn Street, New Bethlehem.

    A memorial service will follow at 2:30 in the church with Reverend Bud Davis officiating.

     Online condolences may be sent to Ben’s family at www.rupertfuneralhomes.com

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