Richard  " Earl"  Custer, 84, of Willow Hill, went to be with his Lord and Savior March 21, 2024 in Chambersburg Hospital.  He was preceded in death by his wife of 47 years, Linda (Berrier) on November 14, 2014.

Earl was born July 7, 1939 in Hummelstown, PA, a son of the late Albert Solomon and Bernice A. (Mathias) Custer.  He graduated from Hershey High School in 1957.   He moved to Path Valley in 1977, a community he loved and supported in various ways including his helpful membership and participation in the Path Valley Historical Society.

Earl worked as a plumber from 1959 until retiring in 2001 from the Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 520 Union.  He served 3 years in the U.S. Army honorably discharged in 1964.

Following in his father's footsteps, he enjoyed making apple butter annually every fall, often 2-3 times a year for various organizations. Friends and family would visit from all around to take a turn stirring the kettle, enjoying the fellowship and taking home a jar of apple butter.

He worshiped faithfully at the Upper Path Valley Presbyterian Church and sustained the ministry of the church in numerous ways.  His presence in his small group was a joy.  He will be remembered for his help with Monday evening meals, property maintenance and ideas to further enhance the spreading of the Gospel.  Earl initiated the apple butter project which not only helped support the annual Turkey Supper at the church but brought folks together to enjoy a great time of fellowship and fun.  He also had a heart for ministry to children and was an active volunteer and supporter of the Children's Bible Ministries of Southwestern PA.

After Linda's passing he became very interested in Custer genealogy, specifically General George Armstrong Custer - realizing that he was a fourth cousin,  four times removed. He attended several conferences and his favorite was in June of 2023 when he traveled with Jeff and Julie to Billings, Montana to follow General Custer's camping route with the troops that led to the Battle of Little Bighorn and Custer's Last Stand.

Surviving is a son, Jeff Custer and his wife, Jennifer and a daughter, Julie Eckels and her husband, Richard, all of Willow Hill. 3 granddaughters, Jessi, Jaymi and Jacki. David Rosado of Bronx ,NY and Carol Rhodes of  Hagerstown, MD were also a special part of his family, they were loved as his own children;  2 sisters, Patricia Farnsler and husband, Robert, of Palmyra and Jean Wallace and husband, Carl, of Hummelstown.  He was preceded in death by a brother, Edward A. Custer.  Surviving is a sister-in-law, Patricia Custer, of Palmyra. He also has several nieces and nephews.

Earl's family will receive friends Saturday, March 30th between 9 and 11 AM in the Assembly Room of the Upper Path Valley Presbyterian Church, 16950 Main Street, Spring Run, followed by a Celebration of Life at 11AM in the sanctuary, Rev. Dr. Meagan Boozer and Pastor Marlin "Butch" Neil, officiating.  Immediately following, Military Honors will conclude the service.  The family requests the omission of flowers and suggests donations in memory of Earl to either Path Valley Outreach, 11057 Creek Road, Fannettsburg, PA 17221 or Children's Bible Ministries, 381 Willis Road, Jefferson, PA 15344.     www.agettlakjer.com