Theodore W. Maurer

November 19, 1925 - February 23, 2022

Theodore William Maurer, age 96, formerly of Hegins, died peacefully in his sleep on Wednesday evening, February 23, 2022, at his residence at Stoneridge Poplar Run Skilled Nursing Care Facility in Myerstown. He was born November 19, 1925, in Hegins, son of the late Clark Sr., and Kathryn (Heckert) Maurer. He attended the former Hegins Township High School where he was known for his athletic abilities, especially his running speed. During his freshman year (1940) he was a member of the varsity soccer team who not only went undefeated for the season, but went unscored upon. Ted was the lead scorer. Ted was also an outstanding baseball player having played third baseman. During the two seasons of 1941-43 the Hegins Township High School team went undefeated. Ted set a school record for stolen bases. During his high school years he also played on a number of area community teams. It was only after he enlisted in the Navy his senior year (1944) to join the war effort did he learn that the New York Yankees had been scouting him. On August 5, 1944, he married the love of his life, Betty (Romberger) Maurer of Valley View. They were married in Memphis, TN where Ted was stationed at the time. They were married 75 years. Ted was a quiet, reserved man of integrity. He was honest, compassionate, and exemplified an incredible work ethic. He was devoted to his wife and family. His Christian faith and values defined every aspect of his life. During most of his life he was active in St. John's United Methodist Church in Hegins. During more than fifty years he sang in the Senior Choir, often as a soloist. For years he taught the Youth Sunday School Class, and then later the Men and Women's Class. For several years he served as Youth Director, and was elected to multiple administrative offices. He served as the Lay Member to the Annual Conference for several years. In 1978 he was recognized by St. John's as "Layman of the Year." During his early adult life he drove a coal truck and worked in the mines. For more than twenty years he was employed by the former Spread Eagle Farms, and for the last decade of his working career worked for the former Capital Bakeries in their Hazelton Plant. Ted was an avid hunter all his life. In his younger years he hunted with a bow and learned how to make his own arrows. Later in life he hunted with a gun. Most of his memorable hunting experiences occurred while enjoying the company of family and friends at the family hunting camp in Potter County. In the spring of 2007, Ted and Betty moved to Schoolyard Square, a personal care facility in Pine Grove. While residing in Pine Grove, Ted began attending St. Paul's UM Church where he sang in the choir until his 91st birthday. In September 2020, Ted relocated to Stoneridge skilled nursing care in Myerstown due to his declining health. Ted left an indelible mark on his family, his church and all who knew him. He will be fondly remembered and missed. Ted was preceded in death by his wife, Betty; all three brothers: Clark Maurer, Jr., Robert Maurer, Sr., James Maurer; and a sister, Carolyn Bender. He is survived by a younger sister, Barbara Williard of Wellsboro, PA. Also surviving are his three sons: Terry Maurer (Bonnie) of Cornwall, PA (formerly of Hegins); Tom Maurer (Louise) of Harrisburg; and Vernon "Skip" Maurer (Cheryl) of Hegins. In addition he had numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and three great, great grandchildren. A Memorial Celebration was held at St. John’s United Methodist Church, Hegins on Saturday, March 12, 2022, beginning at 11 A.M.. A period of visitation proceeded the service beginning at 10 A.M.. Host Pastor Benjamin Scholl will officiate, assisted by Rev. Ira Lydic of St. Paul’s UMC, Pine Grove. Interment will be in St. John's Cemetery, Hegins at the convenience of the family. Memorial contributions can be made to St. John's UM Church, 601 E. Main St., Hegins, PA 17938; or St. Paul's UM Church, P.O. Box 68, Pine Grove, PA 17963; or the Dept. of Veterans Affairs, 1700 S. Lincoln Ave., Lebanon, PA 17042. Buffington-Reed Funeral Home, Valley View, is in charge of arrangements. Condolences can be noted for the family at www.buffingtonreed.com .