Ralph “Bill” Hanawalt, 73, of McAlisterville and formerly of McVeytown passed away at 12:10 p.m. on Wednesday, October 25, 2017 at the Geisinger Holy Spirit Hospital, Camp Hill.
Born on June 27, 1944 in Derry Township, Mifflin County he was a son of the late Ira C. and Ethel S. (Murfin) Hanawalt. On September 27, 1975, he married his surviving wife, Donna C. (Yoder) Hanawalt, with whom he was blessed to share more than 42 years of marriage.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children, Sharon McDermond and her husband Michael, of Aston, Michael Hanawalt and his wife Mindy, of Covington; a brother, Dwight Hanawalt and his wife Pat, of Bowie, MD; grandchildren, Emily, Jacob, Nicholas, Matthew and Anna McDermond and Molly, Maleah and Michah Hanawalt.
An infant sister, Sue Ellen Hanawalt, preceded him in death.
Mr. Hanawalt was a 1962 graduate of Rothrock High School, and 1966 graduate of Shippensburg University, with a B.S. in Business Education. He was also a member of the Bunkertown Church of the Brethren, where he was the church treasurer, a former deacon, had taught Sunday school and served as the youth leader; the Fayette Lions Club and volunteered at the Lions Den as the bookkeeper and at the Juniata County Food Pantry.
He was employed as an accountant and controller with various companies, including Regester Chevrolet, Thompsontown and later retiring from Lion Enterprises, Inc./Bastian Homes, Inc, Harrisburg.
Ralph proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War.
“Bill”, a very active member in his church, also loved hunting, watching trains, reading, camping, and was a history buff. His greatest joy was spending time with his children and grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 28, 2017 from the Bunkertown Church of the Brethren, McAlisterville with Pastor Wesley Stahl officiating. Interment will follow in the Goodwill Cemetery, where the Juniata County Veterans Council will accord full military burial honors.
A viewing will be held from 6-8 p.m. on Friday, October 27, 2017 at the Church.
For those that wish, memorial donations in Mr. Hanawalt’s memory may be made to the Bunkertown Church of the Brethren, 52 Bunkertown Road, McAlisterville, PA 17049 or to the Juniata County Food Pantry, P.O. Box 44, Mifflintown, PA 17059.

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