Richard J. "Richie" Colyer

Richard J. “Richie” Colyer, of Bellefonte, formerly of Spring Mills, passed from this life on Tuesday, March 4, 2021 at Mount Nittany Medical Center.  He was 90.  Born September 12, 1930 in Millheim, Richie was a son of the late Robert W. and Stella (Miller) Colyer.  On May 31, 1952, he married Phyllis R. Wagner who survives at their home.

Richie served our country in the U.S. Army as a tank driver during the Korean Conflict where he was stationed in Austria and Germany.  Upon his return home he was employed at the former Piper Aircraft in Lock Haven, retiring with 30 years of service.  Richie attended Grace Baptist Church in Spring Mills.  He was an avid Penn State football and wrestling fan.  He and Phyllis held season football tickets for over 20 years.  Richie loved the outdoors, hunting and riding his BSA motorcycle.  While in the military he learned the benefits of keeping himself physically fit, walking every day and, still lifting light weights.  He was involved in a church softball league in his 50’s.  Although Richie and Phyllis did not have children of their own, in their late 20’s they took on the responsibility of raising Phyllis’ three brothers, Ken, Ennis and Kevin Wagner after their parents passed away.

In addition to his wife, Richie is survived by two of those three brothers in law, Ennis Wagner (Nancy) and Kevin Wagner (Patty) and their children, along with numerous other nieces and nephews.  He is the last of his family having been preceded in death by nine siblings and one brother in law Ken Wagner.

A visitation for family and friends will be held on Monday, March 8, 2021 from 10-11 am at the Steven R. Neff Funeral Home in Millheim, followed by the funeral at 11:00 am with Pastor Ken Codner officiating.  Richie will be laid to rest in Woodward Cemetery.  Contributions in his memory may be given to Grace Baptist Church, 3596 Penns Valley Road, Suite C, Spring Mills, PA 16875.  

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