Wayne Mowrey

Wayne L. Mowrey, 92, of Chambersburg, passed away on Thursday, February 4, 2016 in Penn Hall. He was born on August 30, 1923 in Quincy, PA, a son of the late Dr. Raymond G. Mowrey and Frances Greenawalt Mowery. He was a member of First Lutheran Church, Chambersburg, where he served as organist and choir director for 45 years, retiring in December 1994. Wayne served his country with the U.S. Army in World War II. He graduated from Lebanon Valley College in 1947 with a BS in Music Education and earned a Master’s degree in Music Education from the University of Pennsylvania. He began his teaching career with the James Buchanan Schools for 11 years before going to Shippensburg University. He was a retired professor from Shippensburg University, retiring from the music department May 1980. He served on the board of directors of Chambersburg Community Concerts for many years, past president of the Chambersburg Kiwanis Club, past member of the board of directors of Coyle Friends. Wayne was honored in 2003 as being named Citizen of the Year by the Chambersburg Borough Council. This was in recognition for his volunteerism and contribution to the betterment of the Chambersburg community. He, with lyricist, the late Ray Depuy, composed the music for the song “Onward Chambersburg”, which was adopted by the town council as the official Chambersburg song. Jane K. Mowrey, his wife of 65 years, preceded him in death on February 7, 2011. Surviving are two sons, Gary (wife Rita) Ebensburg, PA; Joel (wife JoAnn) Cuyahoga Falls, OH; Nieces Pam, Dianne, Linda, Rosemary; Nephew Sandy; five step-grandchildren, Shanna (Brian), Michael (Ashea), Robert, Paul and John; and two step-great granddaughters, Aria and Sylvan. In addition to this parents and wife, he was preceded in death by 3 brothers and 2 sisters. Memorial services will be held at 1 PM on Wednesday, February 10, in First Lutheran Church, 43 West Washington St. Chambersburg, with Pastor Jane Nicholson officiating. The family will receive friends at the church directly following the service. He will be laid to rest beside his wife in Lincoln Cemetery during a private graveside service with military honors conducted by members of VFW Post 1599 Honor Guard. Memorial contributions may be made to Cumberland Valley Animal Shelter 5051 Letterkenny Rd. West, Coyle Library 102 N. Main St., or First Lutheran Church 43 West Washington St., all of Chambersburg, PA 17201. Arrangements are entrusted to the Thomas L. Geisel Funeral Home.