E. Lee Remley

E. Lee Remley, 79, of Everett Street, Benton, died Sunday, February 10, 2013 at his home. Born May 9, 1933 in Divide, (Jackson Township), he was a son of the late Elvin M. and Esther D. (Miller) Remley. He and his wife, Carolyn S. (Evans) Remley would have celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary on August 23rd. A 1952 graduate of Benton High School, he went on to Williamsport Technical School where he earned a degree in drafting and then to the State University of New York, Alfred Campus, with a degree in Building Construction in 1962. He proudly served his country in the U. S. Army during the Korean War, attaining the rank of Sergeant. He had been awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the UN Service Medal and the Korean Service Medal. Mr. Remley was the owner of E. Lee Remley General Contractor, Benton, for over 50 years. He was well known throughout the area and had built numerous homes, churches and commercial buildings during his career. He was a devoted member of the Benton United Methodist Church where he taught both the children and the adult Sunday School Classes for more than 35 years. He also served as Chair of the Board, the PPR Committee and was a Trustee for many years. Mr. Remley was a charter member of the Soapstone Hunting Club and also had his private pilot's license. He loved gardening, spending time with his children and grandchildren. Lee was known as a "people person" who had many friends. He enjoyed going to his hunting cabin with his friends. He also enjoyed playing cards and reading Louis L'Amour books. Very active in his community, he served as an ambulance driver for the Benton Ambulance Association for many years; served on the Benton Cemetery Board and was a former member of the Waller Cemetery Board. He served on the Benton Area School Board and had been president of the board for two terms; Benton Park Commission and the Benton V. F. W. He was very active in numerous Masonic organizations. He was a member of Oriental Lodge, No. 460 F. & A. M., of Orangeville and before that was a member of Benton Lodge No. 667 where he was a Past Master for two terms and a 50 year member. He was a member of Caldwell Consistory of Bloomsburg since 1964 where he was a degree master for many years and had received the MSA and the KYCH Award; the Orient Conclave Red Cross of Constantine, Bloomsburg; Royal Arch Chapter, No. 218 of which he had served as Past High Priest; Mount Moriah Council No. 10 of which he had served as Past Thrice Illustrious Master; Crusade Commandery No. 12 of which he had served as Past Commander; Erin Council No. 6 Knight Masons in Harrisburg; Holy Royal Arch Knight Templar Priest, Tabernacle No. LXXV, of Orangeville of which he was Past Very Eminent Preceptor and the Bloomsburg Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star # 279. Surviving, in addition to his wife, Carolyn, are his three children: Jeffery L. Remley and his wife, Cindy, of Benton; James M. Remley and his significant other, Carol Hughes, of Bloomsburg; Amy J. Vincent and her husband, Christopher, of Odenton, MD; the following grandchildren: Bryan L. Remley and his wife Ashby, of Yuhlee, FL; Katrina J. Remley of Austin, TX; Zachary S. and Nicholas E. Remley, of Highlands Ranch, CO; Joshua L. and Jacob A. Vincent, of Odenton, MD; his siblings: Jean Becker, of Rochester, NY; Lois Rhinard Stere, of Bloomsburg; Mary Jones of Buffalo, Wyoming; Carl Remley and his wife, Betty, of Divide; Sisters-in-law: Marian Remley of Divide; Joyce Keller, of Stillwater; Ellen Evans, of Benton; Daughter-in-law, Susan Remley of Colorado as well as numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by 2 brothers: Herbert and Edward Remley and a daughter-in-law, Lisa Remley. Funeral Services will be held Friday, February 15th, 2013 at 11 A. M. at the McMichael Funeral Home, Inc., 4394 Red Rock Road, Benton (Rt. 487) with Pastor Matthew Verstraeten, his pastor, officiating. Burial will be in the Benton Cemetery with military honors. A Viewing will be held Thursday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 PM at McMichael's. Masonic Services will be conducted Thursday at 8 P. M. The family will provide flowers and request that contributions be made in his memory to the Benton United Methodist Church, P. O. Box 285, Benton, PA 17814; the Benton Ambulance Association or the Benton Volunteer Fire Company, P. O. Box 252, Benton, PA 17814 or to the charity of the donor's choice.

E. Lee Remley

May 9, 1933 - February 10, 2013