Benjamin Ernest "Ben" Yingling, 72 of Altoona died Saturday morning December 1, 2012 at his residence.
He was born July 14, 1940 in Altoona a son of the late H. Ernest and Daisy V. (Langham) Yingling. He married Mary Martha Young on July 25, 1964 in Altoona.
Surviving are his wife Mary; two children, son Robert E. Yingling and wife Marie (Reindl) of High Point, NC and son Drew S. Yingling and his wife Lynn (Koehler) of Altoona; three grandchildren Nathaniel, Marianne and James Yingling; a sister-in-law Shirley Van Pelt of Durham, NC; a brother-in-law Richard Young and his wife Marlene of Titusville, FL; a special niece Carol McDonnell and her husband Jack and their son Dylan; and numerous other nieces, nephews and cousins.
Mr. Yingling attended Christ Community United Methodist Church.
He was a 1958 graduate of Altoona High School.
He retired as a supervisor from Union Tank Car Company in 2003 after over 40 years service.
Ben was a proud U.S. Navy veteran serving from 1958 to 1962.
He was a loving husband, father and grandfather.
He was an avid Penn State Football fan and enjoyed tailgating with his family and his extended PSU family and friends. He was also an ardent Pittsburgh Steelers fan.
Ben was a member of the Pine Creek Regatta gang for over fifteen years where he was always first to sample the doughnuts. He supported his sons from his time as a Roosevelt Junior High School and Altoona Area High School band parent through their days with the Penn State Blue Band. He was a life member of the Bavarian Aid Society; a member of the Cesare Battisti Club and the Unter Uns. He also enjoyed his vegetable garden and flowers; his peppers and eggs; his fire-pit and Yuengling beer.
Ben was a friend to all and he will be sorely missed.
Friends will be received from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. Wednesday December 5, 2012 and 10-11 a.m. Thursday December 6, 2012 at Myers-Somers Funeral Home, Inc., 501 Sixth Avenue, Altoona where a funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday with Rev. John P. Klingeman officiating with military honors to follow. Interment will be made at Logan Valley Cemetery, Bellwood.