Jay William Ringer, Sr.

Heavy equipment operator served in WWII Jay William Ringer, 80, died at 6:30 a.m. Wednesday, September 28, 2005, following a two-month illness. He was born May 2, 1925, in Washington, a son of Charles L. and Daisy Lindley Ringer. Mr. Ringer served as a private in the 251st Combat Engineers Battalion of the U.S. Army during World War II. He earned the World War II Service Medal, American Service Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Service Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal and Purple Heart. He later served in the Army National Guard and was called to active duty serving in Germany. He was a retired heavy equipment operator who last worked for Dick Corp. Mr. Ringer was a member of Slovak and Pulaski clubs in Washington, Slovanik Club in Crucible and Veterans of Foreign Wars in Carmichaels. He was Baptist. His companion of eight years was Betty Anderson, who with her daughters were his caregivers during the last weeks of his life. Mr. Ringer was twice married. His children to his first wife are Jay W. (Donna) Ringer Jr. of Crucible and Sandy (Mickey) Ardeno of Prosperity. His children to his second wife are John W. Ringer and David (Rosemary) Ringer, both of Waynesburg, Jason (Missy) Ringer of Waynesburg; Lynda Styles of Carmichaels, Lori (James) Ledger of New Hampshire, Lisa Tenney of Graysville and Julie Ringer of Carmichaels. Also surviving are a brother, Melvin L. Ringer of East Finley; three sisters, Evelyn Shanor of Buffalo Village, Ethel Morris of Claysville and Wilma Wingrove of Washington; 20 grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren. Deceased are a brother, Norman L. Ringer; and a sister, Kathryn Hall. Friends were received from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday and will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday in William G. Neal Funeral Homes Ltd., 925 Allison Avenue, Washington, where services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, October 1, with the Rev. Ron Ringer officiating. Burial will follow in Prosperity Cemetery.