Benjamin F. Whitsel

Whitsel, Benjamin “Ben” Franklin, 91, of Hill Valley, Huntingdon Co., passed away from complications of Alzheimer’s on Friday, December 2, 2022 at UPMC Altoona. Born July 22, 1931 in Cromwell Township, Ben was one of thirteen children of the late Richard Doyle and Fannie Catherine (Gabert) Whitsel. He is survived by his wife of sixty-three years, Marcia Ann (Shank) Whitsel. They married October 3, 1959 in Winchester, VA. Also survived by his sons, Matthew Whitsel and wife Ellen of Shirleysburg; and Adam Whitsel and wife Yvette; and grandson, Michael, all of Mechanicsburg. Ben graduated from Mount Union High School and Shippensburg University. He served in the Army during the Korean Conflict. Ben taught for over thirty years in the Southern Huntingdon County High School system. During this time, he taught high school equivalency courses at SCI Huntingdon. He served as a Justice of the Peace for Southern Huntingdon County and the Secretary - Treasurer for Cromwell Township. Ben was a lifetime member of Sugar Run Church of the Brethren and taught the men’s Sunday School class and was past Sunday School Superintendent. In his part time, Ben enjoyed woodworking, gardening and beekeeping. There will be no viewing or service. Interment will be at Monroe Valley Cemetery, Three Springs. In lieu of giving flowers, the family asks that those who desire can make a memorial contribution to Sugar Run Church of the Brethren, Huntingdon County Habitat for Humanity, or the Huntingdon County Humane Society. Arrangements have been entrusted to Heath-Anderson Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 61 E. Shirley St., Mount Union, “Honored Provider of Veterans Funeral Care™.” Condolences may be made at AndersonFamilyFuneralHomes.com