Bookhamer

David “Larry” Bookhamer, 77, East Waterford, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday.

He was born in Altoona, son of the late Edgar and Dorothy “Dot” (Hite) Bookhamer.

Surviving are his loving and devoted wife of 52 years, the Rev. Marsha; three children: Karen (Rick) Fox of Bradenton, Fla., David (Kathy) of Lilly and Missy (Renee) Peters of Greenwood, Altoona; three grandchildren: Joshua, Marlissa and Jizelle; his pride and joy, his great-grandson, Cooper; a sister Maxine Keevert of Woods­field, Ohio; and numerous extended family members.

Larry was preceded in death by a brother, Ronnie; and his trusted companion, Butch.

He was a 1960 graduate of Altoona High School and a lover of all things Altoona or Blair County-related. He was a member of Faith United Methodist Church of East Waterford.

His knowledge of area history was unmatched. One point of exceptional interest and knowledge revolved around the three different times he worked at Gable’s Department Store. His experience and knowledge allowed him to participate in a book outlining some of Gable’s history. This was a particular point of pride for him, even though the historian “got a few things wrong.”

Having had a few jobs through life, his favorites included basement master carpenter, backyard gardener, softball coach and internet recipe chef. But his most cherished job of all was grandfather. He enjoyed nothing more than time with his grandkids, whether it was a Burger King lunch complete with a crown, time in the garden teaching his ways or throwing softballs and baseballs like a pitching machine for weekends on end. He was always there for friends and family even if just for a phone call to offer advice on how to cook, bake or fix anything.

“Until we all meet again, we will remain jealous of the french fries, the sauerkraut and the chocolate cakes that you’ll be making for all your friends.”

Friends will be received from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 23, 2019, at Myers-Somers Funeral Home Inc., 501 Sixth Ave., Altoona, and 10 to 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 24, 2019, at Second Avenue United Methodist Church, 130 Second Ave., Altoona, where a funeral service will be held at 11 a.m.

Interment will be made at Grandview Cemetery, Altoona.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations please be made to the Central Pennsylvania Humane Society, 1837 E. Pleasant Valley Blvd., Altoona, PA 16602 or to Faith United Methodist Church of East Waterford, P.O. Box 32, East Waterford, PA 17021.