Obituary of William John Obourn

William John Obourn, age 91, a resident of The Shared Home, Wellsboro, PA, died on Sunday, November 7, 2010 in Broad Acres Health & Rehabilitation Center, Wellsboro, PA. William was born on September 28, 1919 in Mansfield, PA, the son of Lewis W. and Edna L. Shaw Obourn. Following the death of their father in 1924 and their mother 1925 he and Wilbur were both raised on a farm in Charleston, Twp. by loving foster parents Mark and Mayme LeValley. He was predeceased by his wife, Arlene Lucile Higley Obourn in 2002. He was a graduate of Charleston High School, Class of 1937, an employee of Corning Glass Works for 19 years, and retired from the United States Postal Service. He served with the 9th War Dog Battalion, 25th Regiment, 4th Marine Division during World War II and was a Purple Heart recipient from injuries received in the Battle of Iwo Jima. He was a member of St Pauls Episcopal Church, Wellsboro. William is survived by one son and daughter-in-law, Lewis and Lana Obourn of Haines City, FL; five daughters and sons-in-law, Janet and John Sticklin of Wellsboro, Karyl and Garth Knowlton of Pioneer, CA, Joan and Ted Zuchowski of Wellsboro, Jean and Mike Lundgren of Wellsboro, and Wendy and Bill Bower of New Paltz, NY; 13 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren. In addition to his wife, Arlene, he was also predeceased by brothers Herman and Wilbur, and a sister Elizabeth Maynard. Burial will be in Prospect Cemetery, Mansfield. A graveside service will be held at a later date at the convenience of the family. Friends and family are invited to a celebration at St. Pauls Episcopal Church, Pearl St. Wellsboro, Saturday, Nov. 13, at 1:00 p.m. If desired, memorials may be sent to the American Heart Association, 1704 Warren Ave., Williamsport, PA 17701 to semperfifund.org. to provide financial assistance for wounded Marines and families; or to a charity of ones choice. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Jacquelyn A. Buckheit Funeral Chapel, Crematory & Monuments, PC, 637 S. Main Street, Mansfield, PA. www.buckheitfcandcrematory.com