Orvie Umbaugh

Orvie W. Umbaugh, 85, of Scranton passed away Saturday, November 4, 2017 at his home surrounded by family.

Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, November 8 at the Church of Christ in Scranton with Pastor Bob McKnight officiating. Casket bearers were Jeff McCormick, Doug McCormick, Howard Taylor, Lukas Byerly, Kyle Daniels, Scott Byerly, Mike Byerly and Chad Byerly. Honorary casket bearers were Frank Umbaugh, Peter Umbaugh and Glen R. Umbaugh. Burial was in the Scranton Township Cemetery.

Born August 28, 1932, Orvie was the son of Frank and Pearl (Ellsworth) Umbaugh in Scranton, Iowa. Orvie attended Scranton School and graduated in 1949, he enlisted in the United States Air Force and served in Korea during the Korean War. Orvie was united in marriage to Mary Patterson, to this marriage four children were born: Margaret, Mark, Elizabeth and Steve. The couple divorced and Orvie was later remarried to Eloise “Ellie” Byerly Chandler on December 28, 1970 at the Church of Christ in Scranton by Pastor Clarence Potter. Troy and Tracy Chandler called Orvie Dad from that day forward.  

Orvie was a member of the Scranton Church of Christ his entire life where he served as President as the Board of Trustees and then as Treasurer for many years. Orvie was very active in the VFW, being District Commander in 1975. Orvie was a NAPA salesman for 37 years, his gift for gab, his quick wit and always being ready with a joke are something everyone will remember when they think of Orvie. Orvie never knew a stranger and was never at a loss for words, usually getting in the last word. Orvie has served on the Scranton City Council as Councilman, Mayor Pro-Tem and Mayor. It was his honor to serve the community. One of the highlights of Orvie’s life was the privilege to go on a Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. last year. He was moved by all the memorials, especially the Korean War Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery.

Orvie is survived by his wife, Eloise “Ellie” of Scranton; his step-son, Troy Chandler (Lisa) and grandson, Jack Chandler of Nevada, Iowa; his children: Margaret Spencer of Des Moines, Elizabeth Umbaugh of Altoona and Steven Umbaugh of Marshalltown; brothers and sisters-in-law: Dolores and Bob McCormick of Bellevue, Neb., Janice and Dennis Meyer of Ogden, Iowa, Duane and Andrea Byerly of Marshalltown, Iowa, Leon Byerly of Coon Rapids, Iowa and Dennis Byerly of Marshall, Minn.; many, many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends; and longtime family friend, Shawn Ludwig of Nevada, Iowa. All of whom will miss his sense of humor, he was always good for laughs. Most of us will never forget all those nights in Mike and Leona’s garage!

Orvie was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Pearl Umbaugh; parents-in-law, Romayne “Mike” and Leona Byerly; brother and sister-in-law, Glen and Olive Umbaugh; sister, Arlene Cretsinger; son, Mark Umbaugh and stepson, Tracy Chandler.

Funeral arrangements were under the direction of Dahn and Woodhouse Funeral Home in Scranton and online condolences may be left for Orvie’s family at www.dahnandwoodhouse.com.

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