Henry H. Early

Henry H. Early Sr., 76, of North Annville Township died peacefully Monday, October 27, 2008, natural causes in his residence surrounded by his loving family. He was the beloved husband of Grace E. Maulfair Early, with whom he would have celebrated their 58th wedding anniversary this December. Born in North Annville Township on December 27, 1931, he was the son of the late Frank Early of Palmyra, and the late Carrie Eckert Early of Schuylkill Haven. He attended the oneroom schoolhouse at North Annville until seventh grade, when he went to work full time on his father's farm. He married Grace Maulfair of North Londonderry Township in 1950. The couple owned and operated the Early family's 85-acre dairy farm in North Annville, and farmed 500 acres of rented land from 1950 until 1971. Henry went to work for Hershey Foods Corporation as an HVAC technician in 1972, and stayed until his retirement, 25 years later. Henry was a member of the Lebanon Valley Antique Tractor Club, the Annville-Cleona Lions Club, a life-time member of the Bellegrove Fire Company, and worshipped at Zion Evangelical Congregational Church of Annville. He loved restoring antique tractors, and attending tractor pulls with his children, grandchildren, and friends. He restored a dozen antique tractors, and drove his favorite tractors in parades in Schaefferstown, Kutztown, Gratz, and Annville. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends playing cards and putting puzzles together. He also enjoyed gardening and raising his own vegetables. Henry told jokes like a true comedian, and could make anyone smile. His love and laughter will be dearly missed. Henry was the devoted father of three sons, Henry H. Early Jr. and wife Marilyn of Palmyra, Frank C. Early and wife Sue of Fontana, and William C. Early and companion Pamela Hermany of Annville; two daughters, Patricia A., wife of Paul Lytle of Annville, and Debra G., wife of Rick Kleinfelter of Annville; 13 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. Also surviving are a brother, Harold Early of Palmyra; and two sisters, Alice Swinehart of Countryside Christian Community, Annville, and Jane, wife of David Shuey of Annville. He was preceded in death by two sisters, Leah Kleinfelter and Mary Early. Funeral services will be held on Friday at 11 a.m. from Zion Evangelical Congregational Church, 710 S. White Oak Street, Annville. Interment will be in Gravel Hill Cemetery, Palmyra. Viewing will be held on Thursday evening from 6-9 p.m. from the Kreamer Funeral Home and Crematory, 618 E. Main St., Annville, and also on Friday from 10-11 a.m. at the church. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Annville Cleona Lions Club, c/o Robert Fasnacht, treasurer, 997 Louser Road, Annville, PA 17003; or PinnacleHealth Hospice, 3705 Elmwood Drive, Harrisburg, PA 17110. PDF Printable Version

Henry H. Early

December 27, 1931 - October 27, 2008