Rev. Bernard J. Bookhammer

The Reverend Bernard J. Bookhammer

June 4, 1930                                          April 18, 2016

The Rev. Bernard “Bernie” J. Bookhammer, 85, rural Williamsburg, passed away Monday evening at UPMC Altoona.

He was born in Ganister, rural Williamsburg, son of the late Wilson M. and Alice M. (Yingling) Bookhammer.  He married Marilyn P. Weaver on August 19, 1949 at East End Methodist Church, Biloxi, MS.  Marilyn preceded him in death on May 20, 2003.

Surviving are 3 sons: Bernard Jr. (wife, Barbara) of Williamsburg, Curtis A. (wife, Evelyn) of Alexandria, Gary J. (wife,Diane Sykes) of Penn Hills; 3 daughters: Kimela J. Nisley of Altoona, Lucinda J. Bookhammer of Alexandria, and Cassandra J. Lott of Williamsburg; 10 grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren; 5 brothers: Walter Aurandt of Huntingdon, George, Ronald, and David Bookhammer all of Williamsburg, and Donald Bookhammer of Roaring Spring; 5 sisters: Marjorie Novander of Lockport, IL, Darlene Simmons, Eileen Nichols, and Dottie Dubois all of Williamsburg, and Alma Eastep of Martinsburg; and his best friend, Ethel Eschbach of Tyrone.

He was preceded in death by a brother, Thomas L. Bookhammer.

Bernard was a 1948 graduate of Williamsburg High School, 1959 graduate of Florida State University where he received his Bachelors of Science in Mathematics and later completed his Masters Degree in vocational education from Penn State University.

He was a U.S. Air Force Veteran, enlisting in 1948 and retired in 1968 as a Chief Master Sergeant.

Bernard was currently serving as the pastor of Spruce Creek United Methodist Church and had served at various churches for the past 40 years.

Mr. Bookhammer’s passion was travel, which had landed him in all 50 states and all around the world.

Friends will be received from 5-8pm, Friday, April 22, 2016 at Williamsburg United Methodist Church and from 1:30 until the 2:30 pm funeral service, Saturday, April 23, 2016 at the church.  Pastor Heather A. Hughes and The Rev. Dr. Kathleen Kind officiating.  Interment with military flag honors will be held at Royer Cemetery, rural Williamsburg.

The family prefers memorial contributions be given to Ovarian Cancer Research.