Blake Howard Wert

Blake Howard Wert

An Amazing Man -

Blake Howard Wert, age 92, of Mechanicsburg, and formerly of Mt. Carmel, passed away peacefully with his loving family by his side and joined his wife in Heaven on Saturday, September 3, 2016 at Holy Spirit Hospital.  Blake was born on Monday, November 26, 1923, in Mt. Carmel to the late James Monroe Wert and Edith Hettie (Wertz) Wert.  Blake was the widower of Florine Mae (Davis) Wert, whom he married on June 5, 1948, and who died on January 3, 2011.  In addition to his parents and wife, Blake is preceded in death by his brothers, Lowell Wert and Glenn Wert.

Blake’s survivors include his four children: Craig W. Wert and his wife, Kitty, of Shermans Dale, Gary J. Wert and his wife, Diane, of Etters, Edith Ann Osler and her husband, Barry, of Mechanicsburg, Howard A. Wert and his companion, Kathy Mader, of Mechanicsburg; his six grandchildren: Eric Wert, April Myers, Jeff Wert, Becky Connor, Jonathan Osler, Ashlee Osler; his eleven great-grandchildren; and his two brothers, Carl Wert and Arthur Wert.

Blake graduated from Mt. Carmel High School as part of the Class of 1941.  He proudly served in the United States Navy during World War II on the USS Otterstetter (DE-244), where he traveled the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans as a machinist’s mate.  Blake retired from the Motor Truck Equipment Company, where he worked at in both Harrisburg and New Kingstown.  He was a long-time member of Shiremanstown United Methodist Church, where he was active in the Young in Heart Sunday School Class.  He was a member of the American Legion and a life member of DESA (Destroyer Escort Sailors Association).

Blake was good at woodworking where he got to express his creativity by making furniture.  He also made crafts for his grandchildren for Christmas.  He was quite the handyman.  There was nothing made that he could not fix. Blake had a deep love for the Lord.  He enjoyed reading the Bible, listening to hymns on the radio, and reading his devotions every morning.  He was a loving husband, father, grandpa, and pappy.  Blake loved playing with his 11 great-grandchildren.  He will be remembered as an amazing and wonderful man who would do anything for anyone.  He will be greatly missed.

All are welcome to join Blake’s family at his gathering of family and friends on Monday, September 12, 2016, from 10:00 a.m. until time of service at 11:00 a.m. at Shiremanstown United Methodist Church, 125 East Main Street, Shiremanstown, PA 17011; with Reverend Logan Garth Swanger officiating.  Blake’s family invites everyone to join them for a time of food and fellowship at his church immediately following the service.  Burial will be on Tuesday, September 13, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. in Northumberland Memorial Park in Stonington, where military honors will be presented.  Honored to be pallbearers are: Howard Wert, Gary Wert, Barry Osler, Eric Wert, Jeff Wert, Chris Myers, and Craig Wert.

Contributions in celebration of Blake’s life can be made to Destroyer Escort Sailors Association (DESA), P.O. Box 488, Henderson Harbor, NY 13651 or to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN, 38105, www.StJude.org.  Blake’s family has entrusted his care to Myers – Buhrig Funeral Home and Crematory in Mechanicsburg, (717) 766-3421.  Read Blake’s full obituary, view his memorial video and portrait, and sign his official guest book at Buhrig.com .