BIRDSBORO – Freas W. Hontz Jr. 86, of Birdsboro and formerly of Morgantown, passed away surrounded by his loving family on Tuesday, June 2, 2009, at the VA Medical Center in Lebanon, following an illness.

He was born Dec. 24, 1923, in Shickshinny, a son of the late Freas W. Sr. and Josephine (Peters) Hontz.

He was married to the former Norma P. Fleming, who preceded him in death on Aug. 2, 2002.

Freas attended the Milton Hershey Industrial Boy’s School and was active as an alumni member. He shared many stories with his family about the education and values that he learned from the time spent at the school.

He served his country in the Marine Corps, and earned a Purple Heart for battle wounds during the Korean War.

Freas was a retired plumber, who was self employed after working at the Grace Mines Plant in Morgantown for many years.

Freas was a member of the Morgantown United Methodist Church. Pop Pop Freas looked forward to attending any sporting event that his beloved granddaughter, Jessica, took part in. He was also a softball coach in Morgantown at one time. He had a mountain cabin were he enjoyed hunting and the time spent there enjoying nature.

Freas is survived by one son, Freas W. Hontz III of Ephrata; one daughter and son-in-law, Cindy and James Peppernick of Birdsboro; one granddaughter, Jessica Peppernick of Birdsboro; three brothers, Russell Hontz of Jonestown, Donald Hontz of Manheim, and Freddie Hontz of Sunbury; four sisters, Inze Campbell, Naomi Hochenbrough, and Arlene Knepp, all of Sunbury, and Lois Wood of Harrisburg.

He was preceded in death by four brothers, Roy, Carl, Paul and Homer Hontz.

Calling hours will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday at the Labs Funeral Home, Inc., 141 Pequea Ave., Honey Brook, and from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday at Morgantown United Methodist Church, Main and Walnut Streets, Morgantown, followed by a funeral service at 11, with Pastors Steve Hontz, Robert Pope and David Hertzler, officiating.

Interment will follow at the Caernarvon Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in the memory of Freas to Hospice Care at the Lebanon VA Medical Center, 1700 S. Lincoln Ave., Lebanon, PA 17042, or the American Cancer Society