Don Vail

Richard Donald Vail, 85, of Chinchilla, and Bushnell, Fla., died Wednesday, April 12, 2017, on arrival at Bayfront Health Hospital, Brooksville, Fla. He was married to his loving wife, the former JoAnn Williams, for 65 years. The two were inseparable.

He was born Dec. 7, 1931, in Elizabeth, N.J., the son of the late Ernest and Pearl (Griesdale) Vail. He graduated from Waverly High School in 1950. He also honorably served his country in the Air Force during the Korean War.

Don was an entrepreneur; he and his wife owned and operated the Chinchilla Cut Rate and Nursery.

He was an active antique collector, and was often seen at area auctions. His variety of business endeavors enabled him to make many friends.

He was a member and attended both the Waverly United Methodist Church and Chinchilla United Methodist Church. He was a member of the South Abington Lions Club.

He was a dedicated father, brother and husband who loved his family dearly.

He is survived by three sons, Richard Vail Jr. and wife, Paula, Dalton; Robert "Lefty" Vail, Chinchilla; and Thomas Vail and Desiree Danei, Scranton; two daughters, Lynn Vail Judge and husband, Harold, South Abington Twp.; and Bonnie Vail Corson and husband, Michael, Mapleton Depot; 13 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews.

He was also preceded in death by a sister, Violet Gilbertson; and two brothers, Robert Vail and John Vail.

The funeral will be Wednesday at 11 a.m. from the Jennings-Calvey Funeral and Cremation Service Inc., 111 Colburn Ave., Clarks Summit, PA 18411, with services by the Rev. Brent Stouffer, pastor, Clarks Green United Methodist Church. Interment, Hickory Grove Cemetery, Waverly Twp.

The family will receive relatives and friends Tuesday, 4 to 7 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the South Abington Lions Club, P.O. Box 274, Chinchilla, PA 18410 for Pa. Beacon Lodge.