OBIT: "Gene" Eugene C. HOSTETLER, 1941, Meyersdale, Somerset County, PA

File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Meyersdale Library.
Transcribed and proofread by: Richard Boyer.

Copyright 2009.  All rights reserved.
http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm
http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/somerset/
________________________________________________

GENE HOSTETLER

Gene Hostetler Called by Death
Succumbs to Complications As Result of Heart Attack Last Fall

  Eugene C. (Gene) Hostetler died last Sunday evening at 8 o'clock in the Hazel 
McGilvery Hospital where he had been confined for three weeks due to 
complications which set in following a heart attack last fall.
  The best of medical attention and nursing could not bring Mr. Hostetler to 
rally from the relapse of a heart affliction which put him to bed at the 
beginning of the new year.  His condition grew constantly worse and his passing 
away seemed inevitable early last week.
  Several blood transfusions were given and every possible remedy was resorted 
to in an effort to stimultate his worn out organs.  He remained conscious and 
recognized relatives and friends till the end.
  Mr. Hostetler was elected Recorder of Deeds for Somerset County with the 
largest vote polled on the entire ticket.  He had served only a few months in 
this office when taken ill.  Before the holidays, when his condition seemed 
somewhat improved, he returned to his job in the courthouse, but after several 
weeks was again confined to his home.
  Eugene C. Hostetler, the son of John C. and Ellen (Miller) Hostetler, was born 
in Meyersdale, March 31, 1883.  He died on Sunday, February 16, 1941, in his 
58th year.  He was educated in the Meyersdale schools and later studied civil 
engineering, a vocation which he followed at intervals since early manhood.
  During his lifetime he was engaged in various business enterprises in 
Meyersdale.  He is remembered as one of the first persons to operate a motion 
picture theatre here.  His melodious baritone voice, singing accompaniments to 
the silent pictures, will be recalled by many of the patrons of the early motion 
picture theatres.
  While engaged in a soft drink bottling enterprise during the years of the 
first World War, Mr. Hostetler was one of the leaders in conducting public 
meetings to stimulate the sale of Liberty Loan bonds.
  There was never a time when the Meyersdale community needed a man of his 
ability that Gene could not be counted upon to desert his own interests to 
contribute his services to whatever might be beneficial to the community as a 
whole.  It was his generosity and consideration for the welfare of others that 
kept Gene a poor man all his life.
  His interest in athletics and the welfare of young people made him a leading 
factor in having the old Slicer meadow set aside for the town's playground.  
This he surveyed, laid out the ball diamond and supervised the drainage, all 
without a cent of remuneration for his time and ability.
  For years and years, Gene has been the leading sideline rooter for the town's 
baseball, football and basketball teams.  His robust baritone voice will be 
missed in the galleries at all future athletic events in this vicinity.
  Mr. Hostetler became active in politics even before he was eligible to vote 
and has been loyal to the Republican party all these years.  He was never known 
to desert the ranks of the party of his choice, although at times, his loyalty 
caused him to undergo many hardships.
  Many a candidate for office has been benefited by Mr. Hostetler's enthusiastic 
campaigning all over the county, yet it was only recently that he received any 
reward for his many years of service to the party.  And now, after years of 
arduous labor, when he should be enjoying the fruits of his efforts, he is taken 
away.
  Eugene C. Hostetler was married to Miss Lulu Getty, daughter of the late Dr. 
and Mrs. O. G. Getty, and to this union were born six children, one of whom, 
Oliver G., preceded the father to the grave.
  Surviving are the widow and children as follows: Louise, wife of Walter 
Campbell, Greensburg; John Hostetler, Wickett, Tex.; Eugene C. Hostetler Jr., 
Ashtabula, O.; Eleanor, wife of Hubert Newman, Salisbury, and Miss Alice 
Hostetler, at home.
  Mr. Hostetler was a brother of Mrs. Earl Deal, Detroit, Mich.; Miss Margaret 
Hostetler, Meyersdale; Harry and James Hostetler, both of Meyersdale, and Paul 
Hostetler, Pittsburgh.  He was a life-long member of the Main Street Brethren 
Church and was a member of the church choir.
  Funeral services were conducted at the Hostetler home on North Street at 10:30 
Wednesday morning by Rev. Orville A. Lorenz, pastor of the Main Street Brethren 
Church.  Fred Bolden sang "Abide With Me" and "Face to Face."  Funeral 
arrangements were in charge of W. C. Price and Son, local morticians. Interment 
was made in the family plot in Union Cemetery.
  The courthouse at Somerset was closed from 9:30 a.m. till 1:30 p.m. so that 
all the officials and office clerks could pay respect to Mr. Hostetler.  The 
Somerset delegation was led by the Hon. Judge Norman T. Boose.  Meyersdale 
business places were closed from 10 a.m. to 12 noon.
  The pallbearers were John I. Meyers, Wm. P. Diveley, Robert Cook, R. G. 
Miller, Melvin Lindeman and T. A. Weller.

Meyersdale Republican, February 20, 1941