Harry Oyler

Harry Laughery Oyler, of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, left the life he loved on Sunday, October 7, 2018. He was 98 years old. Harry was born January 9, 1920 in Chambersburg to Florence Rebecca Laughery Oyler and Emory Cook Oyler. His mother died in 1929; his father in 1960. Harry graduated from Chambersburg High School in 1937 and over the years hosted several annual reunions for his CASHS class, the latest being the 80th reunion. Harry attended Penn State University and was a member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity. He graduated in 1941 with a degree in Commerce and Finance. He was a staunch supporter of PSU, a life member of the Alumni Association’s Franklin County chapter, and served 15 years on the Penn State Mont Alto Advisory Board.
Harry married his wife Doris Katherine Phillips on Flag Day, June 14, 1942. She preceded him in death on Thanksgiving Day 2016. He is survived by their three sons, two daughters, and five grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren; Harry Laughery Oyler, Jr., his wife Ildiko Segesvary Oyler, and their son Miklos and his wife Katelin and daughter Brinn Iren; Jennifer Oyler Wright and her husband Tom; Susan Oyler Smith and her husband Russell; William Phillips Oyler, his wife Trena McClelland Oyler, and their sons Luke and Zachary and his wife Stephanie and their son Maxton; and Emory Cook Oyler, II, his wife Cheryl Charles Oyler, and their sons Quinn and Nathan. Harry stayed in contact with all his relatives, hosting an annual Oyler Family Reunion for the past several decades.
Harry proudly served in the U.S. Navy from 1943-1946 as Communications Officer, and then as Executive Officer of the USS LST 548, participating in the invasion of Southern France and the occupation of Okinawa in the Pacific. In 1946 Harry established an independent insurance agency in Chambersburg, now known as Valley Agency, which his daughter Susan and son-in-law Russell took over upon Harry’s retirement in 1986.
Harry happily lived in the Chambersburg area most of his life. His greeting to outside visitors was, “Welcome to America“, because to him this area represented the vision of our founding fathers – family, community, God, and patriotism. Outgoing, friendly, and strongly committed to the growth and development of Chambersburg, Harry was a community leader and an active member of many clubs and organizations.
Harry was an original director of the Chambersburg Area Development Corporation and has a street named in his honor due to his CADC involvement. He was also one of the organizers of Downtowner Inc. He served as a Judge of Elections for Franklin County and was a board member of the Chambersburg Trust Company and Financial Trust. An original director of White Rock, Inc., which developed Penn National Golf Course, he served as treasurer and secretary and as its real estate broker for many years. Harry belonged to the Kittochtinny Historical Society, Sons of the American Revolution, Lions Club, Elks Club, Chambersburg Club, American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Cumberland Valley Philatelic Society, and many others.
Harry was a dedicated Freemason, adhering to the Masonic principles of brotherly love, charity, and truth. His father conferred his degree upon him in 1946 when he joined George Washington Lodge #143. A 33rd degree Mason, Harry served in many local and regional Masonic organizations in honored positions including District Deputy Grand Master for the Third Masonic District.
Harry’s many interests have included local history, reading, golf, dancing, Penn State football, stamp collecting, puzzles, and e-mails. Once, when asked how he wanted to be remembered, Harry said, “I don’t want to be remembered, I want to be here.” His family, friends, and community will not forget Harry – his loving and generous spirit will be with us still.
A celebration of Harry’s life will be held at 2:00 PM on Thursday, October 11, 2018 in the Chapel of Thomas L. Geisel Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 333 Falling Spring Road, Chambersburg, PA. Rev. Paul B. Baker will officiate. Interment with military honors by members of the Charles Nitterhouse Post 1599 VFW Honor Guard will follow at Norland Cemetery. Members of George Washington Lodge #143 F & AM will conduct a Masonic service at 11:00 AM Thursday at the funeral home. There will be a visitation immediately following the Masonic service until funeral services begin at 2:00 PM.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Menno Haven Employee Appreciation Fund, 2011 Scotland Avenue, Chambersburg, PA 17201.
Condolences and memories may be shared on his Book of Memories page at www.geiselfuneralhome.com.