Jay Forrest Walmer, 88, USAF vet, Manheim Central school counselor, enjoyed photography

Jay F. Walmer, 88, formerly of Elizabethtown, died Wednesday, Nov. 1, 2017, at Luther Acres Manor in Lititz. He passed after a lengthy illness surrounded by his family.

He was a lifelong member of Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church in Elizabethtown.

Jay was the son of the late Margaret (Carl) and John N. Walmer; and the brother of the late Kenneth S. Walmer.

He was a member of the Elizabethtown High School Class of 1947. He worked for his parents in the former Walmer Food Store.

He married Bonnie Lee Hogan, of Fannettsburg, in April 1951.

He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and was stationed at the Chanute Air Force Base in Illinois from 1951 to 1955. He was assigned to the Information and Education Office where he helped airmen to earn their high school GED and/or further their education.

After an honorable discharge, Jay returned to Elizabethtown and completed his undergraduate degree. He was employed by the Manheim Central School District as a counselor and English teacher, and served as president of the teachers’ union. He earned a master’s degree in counseling from Temple University. He was hired by the Hempfield School District and served as counselor, school psychologist and director of pupil personnel. He enjoyed teaching night courses for Penn State University.

In addition to his 35-year career in education, he served on the church council, including the social services committee involved in the building of Luther Acres in Lititz. He served for 12 years on the school board for the Elizabethtown Area School District and 10 years as a representative to the Lancaster-Lebanon IU13 board. He enjoyed his participation in the Elizabethtown Lions Club. He loved volleyball and photography.

Jay is survived by his wife: Bonnie, residing at Luther Acres Manor. They have four children: Diane L. Romig of Elizabethtown; Lisa W. Strickland of Stevens, married to Scott; Mark F. Walmer married to Jill (Brocious) of Lancaster; and Lori E. Suiter of Paradise, married to Mark. They have nine grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

Services will be private at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church, 75 E High St., Elizabethtown, PA 17022; or to the Elizabethtown Lions Club, PO Box 5, Elizabethtown, PA 17022.

To send the family online condolences, visit SnyderFuneralHome.com. Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home and Crematory, Lititz, handled the arrangements.