Pottsville church member, a World War II vet, surprised by lawmakers' citations at 100th birthday

Apr. 17—POTTSVILLE — Elwood F. Umbenhauer expected he'd be honored with a cake and candles for his 100th birthday Sunday at First Baptist Church, where he's been a lifelong member.

What he didn't expect is that state Sen. David G. Argall, R-29, Rush Twp.; state Rep. Tim Twardzik, R-123, Butler Twp.; and Tom Gerhard, a representative of U.S. Rep. Dan Meuser, R-Dallas, would be there to present him with honorary citations.

"The citations mean a lot to me," Umbenhauer confided Monday. "I wasn't expecting them."

The citations tell a compelling story about a man who's devoted his life to his church, serving as a trustee, deacon and stalwart advocate.

He's portrayed as an outstanding citizen who exemplifies the finest virtues of American life and has won the respect of family, friends and church members. With Anna Umbenhauer, his late wife of 74 years, he is the proud father of two children.

But it also tells another side to Umbenhauer — his service to his country during World War II, which he entered after graduating from Pottsville High School in 1941.

With the Army Air Corps in England, he readied warplanes for the D-Day invasion of Normandy — a turning point in the war — and, the citation says, "served his country with honor and distinction."

"He was truly a member of the greatest generation," said the Rev. Russell S. Hepler, pastor of First Baptist.

Umbenhauer was born on April 15, 1923, in Pottsville when Warren G. Harding was president and the late Queen Elizabeth II's parents, King George VI and Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon, were married.

He worked as a technician for 38 years at Bell Telephone of Pennsylvania switching centers in Pottsville, Harrisburg and Philadelphia.

With others, including Margaret Burns, Hepler organized the 100th birthday party at the church.

Argall, Twardzik and Gerhard had complimentary remarks about Umbenhauer's military service, Burns said.

"He didn't realize that anyone would do that, and he was so pleased people thought that about him," said Burns, a teacher. "He put his hand over his heart and said, seriously, they came for me. I said, yes you, Elwood."

Typically, Burns said, Umbenhauer stood during most of the program, even though she offered him a seat.

"He's strong and strong-willed," Burns said. "He's the first one at church on Sunday, and he turns on the lights and gets everything ready."

Mary Elizabeth Moran, who's been a member of First Baptist for more than 80 years, took solace in seeing newer members of the church singing "Happy Birthday" to the Pottsville centenarian.

"Oh, my word, the women were singing happy birthday," Moran said. "It was all very meaningfu. I'm so happy for him."

In a phone conversation Monday, Umbenhauer said the affair was a little overwhelming. His comment was typical of his quiet dedication to his church.

Aware of Umbenhauer's modesty, Hepler was reminded of what Jesus says in Luke 14:7-31.

When someone invites you to a wedding, don't sit in the most important seat, he advised. Instead, take the last seat, and your host will call you forward.

"For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be the exalted," Jesus says in the biblical passage.

"I said to him, Elwood, you've been sitting in the back row for decades," Hepler whispered. "This is your day to come forward and be recognized."

Contact the writer: rdevlin@republicanherald.com; 570-628-6007