Edgar J. Giles

Edgar J. Giles, “Bud,” 98, a resident of Arbutus Park Manor formerly of Westmont, died, October 21, 2016. He was born June 15, 1918 in Johnstown, the son of the late Edgar W. and Ivia P. (Sorber) Giles. Preceded in death by loving wife of 60 years, Lois E. (Miller) Giles in 2007, son-in-law, Carl Metzler, Jr., sisters, Betty E. (Giles) Lugar and husband, Nicholas J. and Jane K. (Giles) Bantley and husband, Charles K., sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Patricia and Donald Miller and sister-in-law, Dorothy Miller. Edgar was the last surviving member of his immediate family. He is survived by children, Harry B. Giles, Saline, MI; Marsha Ann, married to Angelo Adolph, Geoffrey A., married to the former Theresa Karas, and Gretchen R., married to James Smajda, all of Johnstown; grandchildren, Margaret L., married to Mathew Prochaska, Racine, WI; Timothy L. Giles and fiancee, Stephanie Fortier,Virginia Beach; Jeremy J. Metzler married to Julie Talbot, Montreal, Canada; Sarah Giles and Seth P. Giles, both of, Saline, MI; Molly M. married to Mark Deleeuw, Thornhurst; Melissa E. Metzler, Pittsburgh; Abigail E. Smajda, Troy F. Smajda and Jonathan J. Smajda, all of Johnstown; great-grandchildren, Finley Prochaska, Racine, WI; Thea Metzler and Leon Sonnanentag, Montreal Canada.  Also survived by brother-in-law, David Miller, Johnstown and numerous nieces and nephews. Bud wrote a complete autobiography for his children, along with a war journal and genealogy of family history of four grandparents.  He was a 1937 graduate of Westmont-Upper Yoder High School and was a veteran of the Army Amphibious Forces of World War II.  He received the Asiatic-Pacific Theater Ribbon with one Bronze Star and the Philippine Liberation Ribbon with one Bronze Star.  Bud retired from the former Peoples’ Gas Company, with 33 years of service and also retired as a custodian at the Westmont United Methodist Church.  He was past Secretary and member of the Ferndale Lions Club and a member of the American Legion, Post #0294. Bud was a life-long member of Trinity United Methodist Church, where he was a member of the chancel choir for over 60 years, a former Sunday School Teacher and served on many committees over the years. As a church historian, he enjoyed writing a monthly history column for the church newsletter, never missing a deadline.  His greatest love was being with his family, enjoying holiday and birthday gatherings.  He will be sadly missed by all who loved and knew him.  Friends will be received from 4-8 PM, Monday at Picking-Treece-Bennett Mortuary, Inc., 921 Menoher Blvd.  Funeral service will be held at 11 AM, Tuesday at Trinity United Methodist Church, 111 Willow Street, the Rev. Janet Wensel officiating.  Interment Grandview Cemetery, where military honors will be conducted courtesy of Conemaugh Valley Detachment #287 Marine Corps League.  The family would like to extend a thank you to Arbutus Park Manor and Windber Hospice for the excellent care of their dad.       

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