Edward Raymond McCarraher

August 31, 1922 – November 16, 2007

Edward Raymond McCarraher, 85, of Coatesville, passed away on Friday, Nov. 16, 2007, at the Coatesville VA Hospice Center.

He was the beloved husband of H. Janice Rutherford McCarraher, with whom he had shared 64 years of marriage.

Born in Coatesville, he was the son of the late Evan McCarraher and Minnie Deck McCarraher Tarbert.

A Coatesville resident his entire life, he graduated from the Scott High School in 1941.
He was a civil services employee with the Selective Service System, retiring in 1972, and was later employed by the former Lukens Steel Co. in the heat treating and finishing department, retiring in 1981.

He was a very active gardener and fisherman.

He served in the U.S. Army Air Forces for three years with the 8th Air Force, 95th Bomb Group. He was part of a B-17 bomber crew, flying bomber missions over Germany. He was awarded the Silver Star for Gallantry in action, the Purple Heart, the American and European Theater of Operation medals and the World War II Victory Medal.

He was a member of the Upper Octorara Presbyterian Church of Parkesburg, and a member of the following service organizations: VFW Post 4480 of Parkesburg, American Legion Post 865 of Christiana, the Disabled American Veterans, chapter #84 of Lancaster, and a charter member and past commander of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, chapter 1777 of Coatesville.

He was also a life member of the Brandywine Fire Company, West End Fire Company, the Polish American Citizens Club of Coatesville, the American Association of Retired Persons, the National Association of Retired Employees, Chapter 377, Past Governor of the Loyal Order of the Moose #297 of Coatesville and the Goddard Lodge #383 F&AM of Coatesville.

He is survived, in addition to his wife, by his daughter, Debra J. Hollinger of Atglen; grandchildren, John, Joanna and Julie Hollinger; and great-grandchildren, John and Taylor Hollinger. He is also survived by his sister, Beulah Steen; and nephews, Billy and Raymond Steen.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 21, at 11 a.m. at the Wilde Funeral Home, 434 Main St., Parkesburg, followed by interment in the Hephzibah Baptist Cemetery of East Fallowfield.

Family and friends are invited to attend the viewing, which will be held at the funeral home from 10 to 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Upper Octorara Presbyterian Church, 1121 Octorara Trail, Parkesburg, PA 19365.
www.wildefuneralhome.com.