Memoriam

Perry O. Pherson – LBG #29

Perry O. Pherson, 87, passed away at 4:40 p.m. Sunday, February 6, 2011, at his home in Dallastown, Pennsylvania.  He was the husband of LaDonna (Redding) Pherson.

Perry was born August 12, 1923, in Lawrence County, and was the son of the late John and Ellen (McConahy) Pherson. He graduated in 1940 from East Brook High School in Lawrence County. In 1950 he graduated from Penn State University with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He worked for International Paper Company, Albany International, Albany N.Y., and Interstate Paper Corp.

Perry was licensed as a Gettysburg Battlefield Guide in the spring of 1992. His first oral exam took place on March 19 in the middle of a major snowstorm.  He survived that ordeal and received badge number 29.  Perry retired as Guide Emeritus after the close of the 2003 tour season. and 12 years of guiding,

He proudly served his country in the United States Navy during WWII. He was a member of St. Paul United Church of Christ in Dallastown.

In addition to his wife, LaDonna, Perry is survived by a son, John Pherson of Texas; two daughters, Nancy Kouf of Dallastown and Anna Sage of Red Lion; eight grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and three sisters, Mary Cline of Sun City, Fla., Ruth McCracken of Portersville, and Joan Forbes of New Castle Mr. Pherson was preceded in death by brothers and sisters.

Funeral services for Mr. Pherson will be private. Burial will be in International Odd Fellows Cemetery in Hartford City, Ind. Arrangements have been entrusted to The Diehl Funeral Home & Cremation Center of Mount Wolf. To share memories of Perry please visit www.diehlfuneralhome.com