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Ward F. Whitehill, 90, of Pleasant Gap, passed away on Monday, July 20, 2026, at Lock Haven Rehabilitation and Senior Living.
Born on July 31, 1935, in Pleasant Gap, he was the son of the late Harold F. and Vera I. (Markle) Whitehill.
On Nov. 17, 1956, he married his beloved wife, Rose (Perks) Whitehill, who survives after sharing nearly 70 years of marriage.
Ward was a 1953 graduate of Bellefonte High School where he was a 3-Sport Letterman in wrestling, baseball and football. After high school, he was a 4-sport letterman in football, baseball, wrestling and track at Steven's Trade School and obtained his degree as a certified electrician.
Throughout the years he held various positions as an electrician before going to work at Sears, where he worked his way up before retiring in 1998 after 33 years of service. After retirement, he continued working by doing cabinetry work and remodeling houses.
In addition to his wife, Rose, he is survived by their four children, Susan Collins (Doug), of New Tripoli, Timothy Whitehill (Nao), of Ft. Lauderdale, Lisa Davis (Tim), of Julian, and Scott Whitehill (Sara), of Bellefonte; nine grandchildren, Linzie Mechling, Meghan Wright, Lauren Brooks, Michael Davis, Scott Whitehill, Jr., Daniel Davis, Clay Collins, Morgan Collins and Logan Collins; and six great-grandchildren, Alyssa, Katlyn, Harper, Ainsley, Tatem and Mason. Also surviving are his siblings, William Whitehill, Judy Bechtol and Harry Whitehill.
Ward was a member of St. Mark's Lutheran Church in Pleasant Gap.
His athletic accolades were recognized in 2018 when he was one of the first inductees into the Centre County Sports Hall of Fame as a multi-sport athlete for baseball, football, wrestling and track. He remained active in the baseball community -- playing until he was 54, including being the pitcher for the Pleasant Gap Peppers. He then went on to coach pitching, and coached numerous athletes, including Eric Milton, over the years.
Outside of baseball, he was an avid hunter and bowler, having bowled in a league for numerous years. He loved to travel, going out dancing with his wife, Rose, and playing golf. More than anything, he loved his family. His greatest joy came from spending time with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date in the fall.
Arrangements are under the direction of Wetzler Funeral Service, Inc. in Bellefonte.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in memory of Ward to: Bellefonte Baseball Booster Club, 100 N. School St., Bellefonte, PA 16823.
Online condolences may be made to the family at www.wetzlerfuneralhome.com