Fred W. "Sarge" Beer

Fred W. “Sarge” Beer age 73, of Millcreek, passed away on Tuesday, September 29, 2015 at his residence, surrounded by his family.

He was born in Youngstown, OH on December 21, 1942, a son of the late James and Sadie Alsbaugh Beer.

Fred attended South High School in Youngstown, OH and then went on to serve in the United States Air Force.

He served 20 years in the Air Force, the final four years as ROTC instructor at Akron University. Following his retirement he taught JROTC at McDowell High School for 21 years, with Lt. Col. Donald O’Hara and Col. Ron Merriott.

Fred was a life member of the Millcreek and DuBois American Legion, life member of the DuBois VFW, member of the Lions Club in DuBois and a member of the Erie Siebenbuerger Club.

Fred received the USAF Commendation Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with four Bronze Service Stars, Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon.

He enjoyed hunting camp, fishing and especially loved spending time with his grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Robert and James Beer and a sister in law, Mary Lou Beer.

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Darlene Kurrus Beer; three sons, Fred Beer Jr. and Cheryl Cussins of DuBois, PA, Richard Beer and his wife Lisa and Adam Beer and his wife Kate both of Erie; five grandsons, Blair, Connor, Carter, Bryson and Memphis all of Erie; and many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his wife Darlene’s family, her brother and six sisters.

He is further survived by four close friends, Col. Ron Merriott, Rich Coursey, 1st Sgt Bill Crabill and MSgt Ralph “Bud” Julian. Fred’s family would like to thank them for their friendship, care and compassion during his illness.

The family would also like to give a heartfelt thank you to all of Sarge’s former ROTC cadets who have visited and sent cards and prayers.

Friends may call at the Burton Westlake Funeral Home 3801 W. 26th Street (at Powell Ave) on Thursday from 5 to 8 p.m. and on Friday at the Mohney-Yargar Funeral Chapel, Inc. 142 W. Long Ave. DuBois, PA 15801 from 5 to 8 p.m. and are invited to attend a service there on Saturday at 11:00 am. Burial to follow in Boone Mountain Cemetery in DuBois.

Memorials may be made to the McDowell Air Force JROTC Alumni Association, Inc. P.O. Box 8201, Erie, PA 16505.