Belles

Vernon H. Belles Sr., 87, of South Buffalo Township, Armstrong County, passed away peacefully Monday at his home surrounded by his family.

Vernon was born in Kittanning, April 17, 1924, a son of the late Ethel (Cornman) and George Belles, Sr.

He was the widower of Dolores A. (Barker) Belles, who passed away in 2004.

He was a member of St. Mary, Mother of God Church, in Freeport.

Verne served as a corporal in the 26th Infantry Division during World War II. He was captured and held as a prisoner of war in Northern France.

Vern was a life member of the Disabled American Veterans and the Freeport VFW.

He loved working at his son Ralph's bar in Chicora, the Hilltop. He enjoyed going to his camp in Marienville, going for rides and spending time with his grandchildren.

After the war, he went to work as a metal tapper in the No. 2 finish department at Allegheny Ludlum Steel for 36 years, retiring in 1978.

Vernon is survived by his five sons, George (Debbie) Belles of Vandergrift, Ralph (Robin) Belles of Karns City, Burt (Paula) Belles of Freeport, Vernon “Bud” (Annette) Belles Jr. of Gibsonia and Russell (Kristine Hiwiller) Belles of South Buffalo Township; and his two daughters, LaVerne Ann (Roger) Belles-Cameron of South Buffalo Township and Vicki Lynn (Lynn Hesson) Belles of South Buffalo Township. He also is survived by eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his four brothers, Wallace, George Jr., Edward and Robert Belles.

<B>BELLES </B>— Family and friends of Vernon H. Belles Sr., who died Monday, Oct. 10, 2011, will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday in <B>Redmond Funeral Home</B>, 524 High St., Freeport. A parish wake service will be at 8:30 p.m. Thursday in the funeral home.A parting prayer service will be at 9:30 a.m. Friday in the funeral home. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Friday at the St. Mary, Mother of God Church, Freeport, with Father Edward Volz officiating. Interment will be at Lawn Haven Burial Estates Worthington.The family has request that no flowers should be sent. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the VA Medical Center — POW, c/o Barbara Taylor, 324 New Castle Road, Butler, PA 16001.To send a condolence, visit www.redmondfuneralhomeinc.com.Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.