Dean R. Kelchner

Dean R. Kelchner, age 77, of Millville, died on Thursday morning, March 12, 2015 at his home surrounded by his family and under the care of Geisinger Columbia Montour Hospice. Dean was born on Sunday, January 2, 1938 in Berwick, a son of the late Donald L. and Ida Mae (Kishbaugh) Kelchner. Throughout his younger years, Dean attended the former Nescopeck area schools and graduated from the Nescopeck High School in 1956. Following his education, Dean enlisted in the United States Army where he served faithfully as a Pay Master until his honorable discharge. On September 24, 1961, Dean married his loving wife, the former Peggy A. Brown, of Millville. For more than 40 years, Dean was employed by the former Columbia County Farmers National Bank as the Vice-President and Bank Manager of the Benton branch until his retirement in 2008. Dean will always be remembered for his life of dedicated service to his community. For more than 30 years, Dean and his wife were faithful members of the Mill-Green United Methodist Church in Millville where he served as Treasurer. Dean was also a member, past-President and Treasurer of the Benton Lions Club, and served as Pennsylvania District Governor of District 14-G, and was recently presented with the Joseph L. Wroblewski award, the top honor bestowed to a Lion in the state of Pennsylvania. He was also a Past Master of Oriental Lodge#460 F&AM, Treasurer and founding member of the Benton Rodeo Association, Finance Committee Chairman at Camp Victory, and recently honored for his 23 years of service on the Millville Area School Board. In addition to his parents, Dean was preceded in death by his only daughter, Kathy Kelchner on July 1, 1983 and also by a brother in infancy, Dennis Kelchner, in 1943. Survivors include his beloved wife of 53 years, Peggy A. Kelchner of Millville; his only son: Timothy J. Kelchner and wife, Dr. Laura Sheridan; and also his granddaughter: Amelia Rose Kelchner; and also by numerous cousins, nephews and nieces. A time of visitation for family and friends will be held on Sunday evening, March 15 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Allen Funeral Home, Inc., 107 W. Main at Railroad Street in Millville. Friends will also be received on Monday morning, March 16 from 10 to 11 a.m. at the Mill-Green United Methodist Church, 100 N. State Street in Millville. Masonic and Lions Club services will also begin on Sunday evening at 7 p.m. at the Allen Funeral Home, Inc., Millville. Funeral services will begin on Monday morning, March 16 at 11 a.m. from the Mill-Green United Methodist Church in Millville with his pastor, Rev. Robert Strozyk, officiating. Graveside committal services will immediately follow in the Millville Cemetery. The Allen Funeral Home, Inc. is honored to be serving the Kelchner family. Memorial contributions in Dean’s name are suggested to: Mill-Green United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 470, Millville, PA 17846; the Benton Lions Club, P.O. Box 163, Benton, PA 17814 or Geisinger Columbia Montour Hospice, 410 Glenn Ave., Suite 200, Bloomsburg, PA 17815.

Dean R. Kelchner

January 2, 1938 - March 12, 2015