James Robert Trayer
November 2, 1935 — March 10, 2016
James “Red” “Pap” Robert Trayer
Always Happy and Supportive of His Family -
James “Red” “Pap” Robert Trayer, age 80, of Mechanicsburg, passed away peacefully and surrounded by his loving family at West Shore Hospital on Thursday, March 10, 2016. Red was born on Saturday, November 2, 1935 in Lemoyne to the late William H. Trayer, Jr. and Grace P. (Fishel) Trayer. He was the widower of Nancy (Neidlinger) Trayer, who died in 1972. In addition to his parents and wife, Red is preceded in death by his sister, Grace P. Goudy.
Red’s survivors include his loving wife of 34 years, Doris J. (Haffly) Trayer; his and Doris’ eleven children: David A. Trayer of Duncannon, PA, William H. Cook of Mechanicsburg, James Robert, Jr. and his wife, Peggy, of Punxsutawney, PA, Daniel A. Trayer, of Allentown, James William Trayer of Carlisle, PA, Deborah Lehr and her husband, Steven, of Carlisle, Karen C. Cook and her companion, Kenny Bennett, of Mechanicsburg, Carrie Bucher and her husband, Jeffrey, Sr. of Duncannon, Judith L. Johnson and her husband, Charles, of Waterloo, NY, Sharon L. Arnold of Harrisburg, PA, Mary Beth Harner of Lewisberry, PA; his 20 grandchildren; his numerous great-grandchildren; his five brothers: William H. Trayer III and his wife, Millie, of New Cumberland, PA, Clayton Trayer and his wife, Sonia, of Mechanicsburg, Kenneth Trayer and his wife, Shirley, of Warner Robins, GA, Thomas Trayer and his wife, Linda, of Mechanicsburg, Roger Trayer and his wife, Lee, of Marysville, PA; and several nieces and nephews.
Red graduated from Cumberland Valley High School as part of the class of 1954. He retired in 2000 from L.B. Smith, Inc. in Lemoyne, after 40 years of service working as a sandblaster. Some of Red’s favorite hobbies were fishing, hunting, radio-controlled cars, NASCAR, roller skating, and dancing. He expressed his artistic side through pen-drawing and developing photos he took in his own darkroom. Red was a “Ford man” who enjoyed country music; and he was most comfortable in t-shirts and jeans. Red adored his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and was fiercely protective of them. His family remembers Red as a nice guy who was always happy and always there for them, and they will miss him very much.
All are welcome to join Red’s family at his visitation on Thursday, March 17, 2016, from 5:00 p.m. until time of service at 6:00 p.m. at Myers - Buhrig Funeral Home and Crematory, 37 East Main Street, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055; with Celebrant George Spangler officiating.
Contributions in celebration of Red’s life can be made to the American Stroke Association, 7272 Greenville Avenue, Dallas, TX 75231; www.StrokeAssociation.org .
Red’s family has entrusted his care to Myers – Buhrig Funeral Home and Crematory in Mechanicsburg, (717) 766-3421. Read Red’s full obituary, view his memorial video and portrait, and sign his official guest book at www.Myers-Buhrig.com .