Kenneth R. Erdman, age 86, of Valley View, passed away peacefully late Saturday night March 30, 2019 surrounded by his family at Messiah Village, Mechanicsburg, PA.

He was born on July 17, 1932 in Ashland, PA, a son of the late William and Mabel Wolfgang Erdman.

Ken was a graduate of Hegins Township High School-Class of 1950.

In high school, Ken was the starting catcher on the baseball team. The team went 55-2 over the course of 3 seasons. Kenny never bragged about his abilities as a catcher, but often mentioned the speed and strength of the pitchers he caught for. Never leaving the house without a Phillies cap on, his love for baseball never faded.

Following high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict, and was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal.

He and his wife, the former Doris M. Bixler had celebrated 62 years of marriage, until her passing in September 2015.

He spent many years working in the coal mines, as well as working at Penn Dye in Pine Grove and TRW in Harrisburg.

Ken was a member of St. John's United Methodist Church, Hegins.

In addition to his parents and wife Doris, he was preceded in death by brothers Clair, Eugene, Guy, Jay, Leo, and Ray; sisters Helen Reinoehl, and Tillie Rockwell.

Ken is survived by son, Jimmy R. Erdman and wife Rose, Tower City; daughter, Dianne E. Strite and husband Tom, Reston, VA; grandson, Andrew J. Strite and wife Abby, TX; granddaughter, Amanda K. Strite, MD; 2 great grandchildren, Dominick and Teagan Strite; sister, Lila Derck, Dalmatia, as well as several nieces and nephews.

Services will be held at St. John's United Methodist Church in Hegins, on Friday, April 5, 2019 at 11:00 AM with Rev. W. Keith Rockwell officiating. A catered lunch will follow.

A viewing will be held 10:00 am to 11:00 am on Friday at the Church.

Burial will be made in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville PA 17003.

Memorial contributions can be made to the church.

Buffington-Reed Funeral Home, Valley View, Pennsylvania is in charge of arrangements.

Condolences can be left for the family at www.buffingtonreed.com .