Obituary – Willard “Sonny” Gardner Heverly
Willard “Sonny” Gardner Heverly, 93, of Mill Hall, passed away Thursday, June 20, 2024 at Jersey Shore Rehabilitation Center.
Born October 7, 1930, in Rossiter, PA, he was the son of the late Park and Eva Marie Gardner Heverly.
Following graduation from Lock Haven High School in 1949, Sonny enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving during the Korean War.
On May 14, 1955, at St. Agnes Catholic Church, Lock Haven, he married the former Doris Underkofler, who survives.
Sonny was employed for 31 years as an Inspector at Piper Aircraft until their closing.
He was a member of Cedar Heights Brethren in Christ Church, Mill Hall.
Sonny was very active and a past officer of the Beech Creek American Legion. He also held memberships at the Lock Haven VFW, Lock Haven Elks, Lock Haven Moose, Castanea Fire Hall and Lock Haven Son’s of Italy. For several years, Sonny was very involved with the annual Piper Fly-In.
He enjoyed his time bowling and the outdoors, especially hunting, fishing and gardening. He was a member of Dry Run Hunting Lodge of Renovo and the Bald Eagle Beagle Club of Mill Hall. He was also an avid fan of Penn State University wrestling and football.
In addition to his wife, Sonny is survived by four children, Cindy L. (Chuck) Dauberman of North Carolina, Steven M. (Deb) Heverly of Beech Creek, Daniel W. (Rachel) Heverly of Howard and Judy H. Rigsby of Tennessee; a brother, Park J. Heverly of Jersey Shore; ten grandchildren; twenty-three great grandchildren; and two great-great grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by eight siblings: Pauline, Ethel, Russel, Mary, Kathleen, Jack, Kenneth and Harry.
Friends and family will be received for a time of viewing at the Cedar Heights Brethren in Christ Church, 137 Cedar Heights, Mill Hall, PA 17751 on Monday, June 24, 2024 from 10 A.M. until the time of the service which will follow at 11 A.M. with Pastor Scott Garman officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice, c/o Donald G. Walker Funeral Home, Inc., 231 High St., Flemington, PA 17745.
Online condolences can be sent by visiting www.donaldwalkerfuneralhome.
