Edwin Ray Deittrick, age 95, formerly a resident of Orangeville and currently of Austin Texas, died on Saturday, January 4, 2014 a resident of Emeritus at Spicewood Springs in Austin.
Ed was born on Tuesday, April 30, 1918 in Catawissa, a son of the late Ray and Geraldine (Eveland) Deittrick. In 1941, Ed enlisted with the United States Air Force where he served his country faithfully during World War II, the Korean Conflict and the Vietnam War. Ed dedicated over 34 years of his life to serving his country as a Master Sergeant in the United States Air Force. Following his retirement from the military, Ed was employed by the Austin Transit System for over 20 years and retiring at the youthful age of 80. Prior to his enlistment in the military, Ed was pursuing a career as a professional baseball player. Throughout the years, Ed never lost his lover for baseball. He continued his passion with coaching little league teams, supporting the UT baseball team and cheering on his team of the Houston Astros. He was also an active member of the Crestview Methodist Church where he served as an usher for many years.
In addition to his parents, Ed was preceded in death by two sisters: Dorothy and Grace and two brothers: Carl and Gerald Deittrick.
Survivors include his beloved wife, Willie Mae Deittrick of Austin; a daughter: Dr. Debra Shulsky and husband, Joe, of Houston, TX; and also a grandson: Stone Shulsky also of Houston, TX.
A time of Visitation for family and friends will be held on Saturday afternoon, January 18 from 1 to 2 p.m. from the Allen Funeral Home, Inc., 745 Market at Eighth Street, Bloomsburg. Graveside committal services will immediately follow the 2 o'clock hour in the St. James Cemetery in Stillwater with full Military Honors to be provided by a combined group of VFW/American Legion.
Memorial contributions in Ed's name are suggested to: Austin Human Society, 124 W. Anderson Lane, Austin, TX 78752 or the Crestview United Methodist Church, 1300 Morrow St., Austin, TX 78757.