Westmoreland County PA Archives Obituaries.....Sherer, Lawrence I. "Hap"  July 12, 2004
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Latrobe Bulletin (Latrobe, Pennsylvania) 07/13/2004
Lawrence I. "Hap" Sherer, 80, of Latrobe, died Monday, July 12, 2004, at his home.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 48 years, Margaret B. (Eskut) Sherer; his
parents, Clarence Sherer and Estella (Kuhns) Sherer Marshall; and a brother, Eugene
Sherer. He is survived by his wife, Yvonne (Bence) Sherer; four children, Harry
Sherer, of Latrobe, Carol Meyercheck, of Pittsburgh, Wayne Sherer, of Latrobe, and
Nancy Matheny, of Latrobe; two step-children, Shelley McAtoose, of Blairsville, and
Shari Johnson, of Latrobe; five grandchildren; four step-grandchildren; and a
great-granddaughter. He was born along the ridge above Baggaley, Pa. A local
midwife, Mrs. Mary Hacker, assisted with his birth at his parents' home. Years
later, he would marry Mrs. Hacker's granddaughter, Margaret Eskut. After graduating
from Latrobe High School in 1941, he went to work at Latrobe Steel, working on the
12-inch rolling mill, and he continued there until he retired in 1972 with 31 years
of service. He served his country in the U. S. Navy from 1943 to 1946 as a "tin can"
sailor aboard the USS Gwin DM33, serving in the South Pacific. While in the Navy, he
attended and graduated from the Wentworth Institute in Boston, Mass. Luck was with
him on May 4, 1945, when his ship was hit by a Kamikaze plane and he survived the
attack. In August 1945, the repaired USS Gwin was anchored beside the USS Missouri
in Tokyo harbor as the peace treaty was signed. He was a lifetime member of the DAV
(Disabled American Veterans) upon his discharge. He was also a member of American
Legion Post 982 and a resident of Latrobe for over 50 years. In 1946, following his
discharge from the Navy, he married and bought a farm in Unity Township. He farmed
for the next 53 years and went through three distinct phases: dairy farmer, beef
farmer and finally, crop farmer. At Westmoreland County's first fair, held at
Idlewild Park, his cattle were awarded second prize in the Heifer division. He and
his son Harry would later win grand prize in a hay making contest at the current
Westmoreland County fairgrounds location. He also served on the board of directors
of DHIA and PFA. He was also active in his church. He was the youngest person (at
that time) to be elected to church council at St. James Lutheran Church in
Youngstown. He was one of 17 people who were instrumental in founding the Prince of
Peace Lutheran Church in Lawson Heights. He was a charter member there, served on
the first church council at Prince of Peace and continued to be active and served on
church council over the next 20 years. He enjoyed life and did the things he enjoyed
most. He enjoyed every day of farm life no matter what lay in store. He enjoyed many
years of hunting with his sons and shot his last deer at age 79. He enjoyed bowling
and was active in several bowling leagues until his death. He enjoyed traveling and
traveled extensively throughout the country. Viewing Tuesday from 6 to 8 p. m. and
Wednesday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. at the FREDERICK FUNERAL HOME INC., 1543
Ligonier St., Latrobe. Funeral services will take place Thursday at 11 a.m. at
Prince of Peace Lutheran Church with the Rev. James E. Person officiating. Please go
directly to the church. Burial will be in St. James Lutheran Cemetery, Youngstown.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Prince of Peace
Lutheran Church, 1325 Mission Road, Latrobe, PA 15650. A military service will be
held Wednesday at 7 p.m. in the funeral home by American Legion Post 982 and
Pleasant Unity VFW Post 8643.

Additional Comments:
Published by Tribune Review on Jul. 13, 2004

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