Obituary

Draksler, George Eugene, 77, Armagh, passed away peacefully Sept. 2, 2016, at Good Samaritan Hospital, Johnstown. Born Jan. 23, 1939, in Johnstown, to the late Joseph and Joan L. (Zallar) Draksler. Preceded in death by his wife of 51 years, Lois M. (Sutton) Draksler; an infant son, Troy Jacob; daughter, Theresa L. Grove; and brother, John J. Draksler, of Camp Hill. Survived by three daughters, Christine Abramo and husband Peter of Wooster, OH; Deborah Black of Homer City; Julie Draksler of Armagh; son, Pete and wife Toni of Dilltown; son-in-law, John Grove of Homer City; and 10 grandchildren, Isaac Grove, Torrie, Kaylie, Annie and Jacob Abramo, Brett, Brad and Allyssa Black, and Laken and Jaden Draksler. A graduate of United Joint High School in 1957, he earned a full football scholarship to the University of Maryland. He was the 1957 Pennsylvania High School “Class B” champion in shot put and discus and competed in those events at the University of Maryland. A U.S. Army veteran, he was stationed at Ft. Knox, KY. He continued his education at the University of Louisville in business administration and played semipro football for the Louisville Raiders. He was employed as a foreman for the Ford Motor Company, American Metals, and Chrysler Corporation prior to relocating to Pennsylvania where he raised his children and lived his dream of farm ownership. George retired as a foreman at Consol Energy in 2003. He was a United Mine Workers of America member prior to moving into management in 1978 where he spent most of his career as a foreman for Rochester & Pittsburgh Coal Company. The safety of mine workers always was his priority. He served on and trained Mine Rescue Teams for many years and went into cave-ins to rescue trapped men and to recover the deceased. After R & P closed, he was employed at G.M. & W., Nats Creek, Rosebud, Gemini and Trent Coal companies. He was inducted into the Indiana County Sports Hall of Fame in 2011. An avid outdoorsman and nature enthusiast, he enjoyed fishing, hunting and timber harvesting. George also enjoyed spending time with his family and playing chess, checkers and card games. Friends will be received Sunday, Sept. 11 at Strongstown United Methodist Church from 2-4 p.m., with a memorial service immediately following at 4:00 pm. Pastor John Hickman, officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Strongstown United Methodist Church or a church parish of your choice. Arrangements in care of the Hindman Funeral Homes & Crematory, Inc., 146 Chandler Ave., “Exclusive Provider of Veterans and Family Memorial Care.” Condolences may be made at HindmanFuneralHomes.com