Texter

Russell J. (Pal) Texter, 90, of Parker, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Saturday, July 2, 2022. Born in Parker on Aug. 5, 1931, he was the son of the late Russell M. and Jessie (Shoffner) Texter.

He graduated from Parker High School in 1949, worked at Central Electric, and then enlisted in the Navy in May 1951. He served aboard the U.S.S. Wisconsin BB-64 for four years including two tours of duty to Korea. After the service, he attended Slippery Rock State Teachers College, then worked as a rural mail carrier at the Parker Post Office, retiring in 1989 after 33 years of service. Pal also worked for Freddie Bowser at his funeral home in Homer City and at Dean’s Flower Shop, and he was manager of the Clearfield Recreation Club (Parker pool) for many years.

Pal was a member of the U.S.S. Wisconsin Association, a lifetime member of the VFW and a member of St. Mary’s/St. Michael’s Catholic Church.

Pal enjoyed planning and building his house, tennis, football (especially Slippery Rock and the Steelers) and traveling the world with his family. Destinations included Australia, China, New Zealand, Panama, Honduras, Puerto Rico, many Caribbean Islands and throughout the U.S. (often Florida). His favorite destination was Hawaii, which he visited several times.

“Babok,” as he was known to his grandson, Zane, cherished the time they spent together; he called it his “greatest pastime.” He enjoyed attending baseball, football, track and basketball games; and playing catch, swimming and traveling together. He was so proud of Zane.

Some of Pal’s favorite memories were swimming at the “Falls” and the old swimming pool with his brother Rob; playing football with friends; attending U.S.S. Wisconsin Navy reunions; interacting with wolves at the sanctuary in Ohio; and watching the Steelers, Wimbledon, Star Trek, Twilight Zone and John Wick movies. He loved to read, especially Jack Reacher novels.

Pal always had a story or anecdote about growing up in Parker and the many people he encountered. He enjoyed visiting and pulling pranks with his neighbors and going out to breakfast with them.

He was very active throughout his life and experienced flying in a glider plane, riding in a hot air balloon, white water rafting and jet boating/bungee jumping in New Zealand. He both met and corresponded with his favorite Steeler – Rocky Bleier — and was also present at the “Immaculate Reception” game.

Surviving are his wife of 65 years, Ann (Latella) Texter, whom he married on June 8, 1957; his two children, Felicia Texter of Parker and Daneen (Jeff) Hufnagel of Franklin, Pa.; his grandson, Zane Baughman of Franklin; a brother, Robert (Patricia) Texter of Naples, Fla.; and several nieces and nephews.

Pal was preceded in death by his parents.

TEXTER — Services will be private for Russell J. (Pal) Texter, who died Saturday, July 2, 2022.

Memorial contributions may be made to U.S.S. Wisconsin (nauticus.org; select Donate menu option, enter Battleship and Russell Texter in the comments area) or Wolf Creek Habitat & Rescue (wolfcreekhabitat.org).

Arrangements are provided by BUZARD FUNERAL HOME in Parker.

To view/leave condolences visit www.buzardfuneralhomes.com.

Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.