Keith Getchel, 93, of 101 Nelson Ave., Bradford, passed away, Sunday, November 22, 2015, at his residence.
Born March 9, 1922, in Gordon, Kansas he was a son of the late Orila and Verda (Conder) Getchel.
Mr. Getchel enjoyed all types of sports, and was an avid fan. He loved to golf and he was a former member of the Pennhills Club and past Club Champion. He had volunteered at Sawgrass during the Tournament Players Championship.
Keith was inducted into the in the United States Army Air Corp on October 22, 1942. He served with the B67th Bombardment Squadron 494th Bombardment Group with the 7th Air Force, as a Armored Gunner-612 in Luzon, Ryukus, Air Off Japan, China, Eastern Mandates and Western Pacific Southern Phillippines. He was awarded the As-Pac Theatre Service Ribbon with 7 Bronze Stars. He was honorably discharged on January 1, 1946.
Mr. Getchel had worked as the controller at Bovaird and Seafang and then later at Dresser Rand in Olean, and retired after 37 years of service.
He was a member of St. Bernard Church, the Greater Bradford Senior Center, the VFW and the American Legion.
Surviving are two nephews, James (Mary) Getchal and Richard Getchel all of Bradford. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother James Getchel.
Family will be receiving friends on Monday, November 30, 2015 from 10:00am to 11:00am in the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes, Inc. 33 South Ave., at which time a Memorial Service will be held with Rev. Raymond Gramata, pastor of St. Bernard Church officiating. Following the service Military Honors will be accorded by the United State Army at the funeral home. Private burial will be in St. Bernard Cemetery.
Memorials, if desired, may be made to Leukemia Society of the Bradford Senior Center.
Online condolences may be made at www.hollenbeckcahill.com