Durward A. Newhard, age 94, S. Elm St., Jefferson, died Friday evening at the Austinburg Nursing & Rehabilitation Center.

He was born December 6, 1922 in Meadville, PA, the son of Harley & Frances (Buckley) Newhard and has resided in Jefferson since 1971, coming from New Castle, PA.  He was a 1941 graduate of New Castle High School.  Mr. Newhard was a 22-year employee of Western Reserve Telephone Co., then Alltel, retiring in 1993.  In earlier years, he worked at Johnson Bronze Co. and in maintenance with the New Castle School System.  Following retirement, he worked more than 20 years at Bi-Lo Grocery Store in Jefferson.

Durward was a veteran of the U. S. Army, serving in World War II.  He was a life member of the VFW Post #3334, where he served as Commander, American Legion Baylor Post #152, where he served as 1st Vice Commander & the Military Order of the Cootie, where he was past Commander of District 4.  Durward was on the first Honor Flight from Cleveland to Washington, May 23, 2007.  His masonic affiliations include, Craft Lodge #433 F. & A. M., receiving his 60 year pin in 2014 & Ancient & Accepted Scottish Rite, Valley of New Castle.

He was also a member of the Transportation Club of New Castle, Independent Order of Telephone Pioneers, Jefferson Squares, Friday Falcon Bowling League, AARP, Traveler’s Protective Assoc. & IBEW Local 1507.  He enjoyed hunting, fishing, golf, gardening and collecting stamps.  He was the recipient of the Charles “Chuck” Lewis Community Service Award from the Jefferson Chamber of Commerce in 2005.

He is survived by his wife, Harriet G. (Sealacek) Newhard, whom he married July 7, 2011, two sister-in-laws, Jan & Twila and various nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, step-mother, Bertha Newhard, a wife, Margaret (Onion) Newhard, and siblings, Dennis, Dorrance & Dwayne Newhard, Maxine Schlosser & Theola Phillips.

Funeral services will be at 1:00 P. M. Wednesday at the Jefferson Home of Fleming & Billman Funeral Directors and Crematory, 49 W. Jefferson St., Jefferson with the Rev. Fred Grimm officiating.  Military honors by Geneva VFW Post #6846 will begin the services.  Burial will be in Loomis Cemetery in Bloomfield, PA.

Visitation will be held Wednesday from 11:30 A. M. until the time of service.  Memorial contributions may be directed to the Veterans of Foreign Wars, envelopes will be at the funeral home.  The Fleming & Billman Funeral Homes and staff are honored to serve the Durward Newhard family.  Visit fleming-billman.com to view obituary, express condolences, send flowers or light a candle.

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