E. Earl Trauger

The Reverend E. Earl Trauger, 88, of Stevens, died early Friday, Nov. 29, 2013, at his home. He is survived by his wife Ruth (Krout) Trauger, with whom he shared 69 years of marriage.

Born in Perkasie, Bucks Co., he was the youngest of five children of Norman D. and Della N. (Werst) Trauger.

Earl found the Lord as Savior and his future wife Ruth at Highland Park Campmeeting and also at Highland was where he first felt the call to ministry. He continued his service with Highland as a board member, former President, and Youth Director. He also served as director of family camps of Golden Lake United Church Camp, Ontario, Canada, for several years.

He served in the U.S. Army Air Corps during WWII, in India and China. He was a member of the crash crew with 381 Air Service Group. Upon his return to the States, he learned carpentry and built their first home.

Earl graduated from Albright College in 1956 and then from Temple University School of Theology in 1959 with Master in Divinity.

He was appointed to Trinity E.U.B. Church, Schuylkill Haven, in 1954, and in 1962 to Calvary E.U.B./United Methodist Church, Wyomissing for twelve years. From 1974 unto 1990, he served the three church “Trevorton Area U.M. Parish.” Throughout his pastorates, Earl served on various conference boards and agencies.

Earl and Ruth served the United Methodist Church of Churchtown, Narvon, from 1990 through 2004, completing 50 years of ministry together.

He was also involved in community affairs including Schuylkill Haven Council of Churches, Wyomissing and Berks County Scout Committees, Trevorton Fire Co., Ambulance and also the Trevorton Library.

Earl also was a good father and grandfather to his children. He enjoyed maintaining their home in Reamstown and occasionally enjoyed golfing, hunting, camping, and in Canada some fishing.

Surviving in addition to his wife are his sons Robert married to Cheryl Trauger, Cumming, GA, Stephen married to Angela Trauger, Stroudsburg, PA, Timothy married to Penny Trauger, Chesterfield, VA; seven grandchildren; two great grandchildren; and two sisters: Ruth Hunsberger and Marion Landis.

His funeral will be held on Sunday, December 1 at 2 p.m. at the Churchtown United Methodist Church, 2170 Main St., Narvon. A viewing will be held at the church on Sunday from 1 – 2 p.m. Burial will be in South Perkasie Evangelical Cemetery. Kindly omit flowers. If desired, memorials may be sent to Highland Park Campmeeting Association, c/o Kelly Rapp, 13 Maron Rd., Hatfield, PA 19440. The Eckenroth Home for Funerals, Terre Hill is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be posted at www.groffeckenroth.com.