Meredith E. Rupert, 83, of West Freedom, Parker, passed away suddenly Tuesday evening at his home of natural causes.

Born in Pine Hollow, Perry Township, Clarion County, May 3, 1928, he was the son of the late Samuel and Beulah Garis Rupert.

He was a graduate of the former Parker High School and attended Clarion State College, now Clarion University.

Meredith was called on the last draft of World War II to serve in the U.S. Army. In 1961, he was called to active duty in Alabama due to the Berlin Crisis. He then served in the Army Reserves, retiring with 28 years of service.

He drove a truck for more than 40 years with the family trucking company and then drove for 10 years with R&H Trucking at Clarion. The Rupert family also operated a Christmas tree farm in Pine Hollow for many years.

He was a 50-year member of the Parker City-Allegheny Valley F&AM Lodge 521, the Foxburg Country Club, the Morning Men's Golf League and the Wednesday Morning Prayer Group at the Plaza at Exit 42.

He had a passion for golf until his health prevented him from playing. He had an intense enjoyment of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Pirates until his death.

He was a lifelong member of the New Covenant United Methodist Charge in West Freedom, where he taught Sunday school for many years. He also was a Boy Scout leader in West Freedom for many years.

He is survived by his wife, H. Louise Rumbaugh Rupert, who he married Dec. 30, 1953, in Dayton, Armstrong County; two sons, Samuel and his wife, Joyce and Randall Rupert, all of West Freedom; two step-grandchildren, Cynthia Shook (Scott) King of West Freedom and Timothy Shook of Butler; and three great-grandchildren, Justin Shook, Keighlene and Keaton King.

RUPERT — Friends of Meredith E. Rupert, who died Tuesday, Oct. 18, 2011, may call from 5 to 7 p.m. today at the West Freedom United Methodist Church, Perry Township, Clarion County, where funeral services will follow at 7 p.m. The Rev. Ken Hughes and the Rev. Dan Myers, United Methodist ministers, will co-officiate. Private burial will be Friday morning at West Freedom Cemetery.The family suggests memorials to the United Methodist Church of West Freedom, Parker, PA 16049.Funeral arrangements are entrusted to

Buzard Funeral Home of Parker. To view or send condolences, flowers or sympathy cards, visit buzardfuneralhomes.com.Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.