MYERS – HARNER FUNERAL HOME, INC. 1903 Market Street Camp Hill, Pennsylvania 17013 717-737-9961 Dustin R. Baker, FD Robert H. Harner, Spv. Myers-Harner@comcast.net PLEASE ATTACH WITH FULL COLUMN COLOR PICTURE EARL DONALD BESCH Earl Donald Besch, age 88, died February 1, 2015, at Harrisburg Hospital. Born in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, on September 15, 1926, he was the son of Earl C. and Mary Mowery Besch. Earl was a 1944 graduate of J.P. McCaskey High School. He left school in March, 1944, to enlist in the Army Air Force. He was assigned to Gettysburg College and then to further training in active duty. After being discharged in 1946, he completed his education and earned a B.A. degree from Gettysburg College in 1948. While in college, he was an active member of Sigma Chi fraternity, and he also was elected a member of the honorary organization Pi Lambda Sigma. Following graduation, Earl moved back to Lancaster and became a purchasing agent with Armstrong Linoleum Company. He later accepted a sales position with Nabisco Company. After many years working in sales with health and beauty products, he formed his own business, Besch and Associates, as a manufacturer's representative, and continued working in this role until his death. Earl was predeceased by his parents, and is survived by his high school sweetheart and beloved wife of 66 years, Nancy Adams Besch; a sister, Dorothy Grim, and her husband, William, of Lancaster; a son, Donald Besch and his wife, Ursula, of Dallas, Texas; daughters, Kathy Hamilton and her husband, Robert G., of Camp Hill, Susan Pera and her husband, Albert E., of Camp Hill, and Diane Gombocz and her husband, John, of Mechanicsburg; two granddaughters, Katrina Besch Tufaro and her husband, Edward, of Houston, Texas, and Kristen Besch Bierschenk and her husband, David, of Bartlesville, Oklahoma; two grandsons, Robert B. Hamilton and his wife, Laura, of Camp Hill, and Mark W. Hamilton and his wife, Brandy, of Camp Hill; eight great-grandchildren, Christopher, Maria, Caroline, and Sophia Tufaro, James and Emily Bierschenk, Elle Hamilton, and Grace Hamilton. He is also survived by several nieces, a nephew, and cousins. Earl was very active in his church and community. He was an ordained Elder and Deacon at Camp Hill Presbyterian Church and at Market Square Presbyterian Church in Harrisburg. He served as a Republican Committeeman for many years in Camp Hill. He was also a supporter of numerous community projects in Camp Hill. Most recently, he was a supporter of the Plein Air Arts Festival in the Borough of Camp Hill. Earl and Nancy spent their summers at their cottage in Mount Gretna. There, Earl was a member of the Board of Managers of the Pennsylvania Chautauqua, and he served as President of the Board for many years. Above all, he treasured time with his family and his many friends. His warmth and his love will always be remembered by all whose lives he touched. A celebration of life will be held February 14, 2015, at 11:00 a.m. at Market Square Presbyterian Church, 20 South 2nd St, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17101. Free parking is available adjacent to the Church. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until time of service. Earl always had a soft spot in his heart for children in need. Therefore, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Camp Hill Lion Foundation, care of the Earl Besch Memorial Fund, 2627 Chestnut Street, Camp Hill, PA 17011, or to The Joshua Group, 1442 Market Street, Harrisburg, PA 17103.