Loy C. Awkerman

Dr. Loy C. Awkerman left this earth to be with his Savior on Saturday, August 29 at Spang Crest nursing home in Lebanon. He was born in Harrisburg, on October 15, 1925 and was the son of the late Harry L. and Gertrude Black Awkerman. He is survived by his wife, loving companion and best friend Rose Marie (Root) Awkerman whom he married September 2, 1949. Loy was predeceased by a sister, Helen Lowe, formerly of Des Moines, IA.

Surviving, in addition to his wife are his two children: Kyle Awkerman, Jr., married to Shirley Wissler, of Lebanon; and Lisa A. Delozier, married to David Delozier, of Wyomissing. Also surviving are four grandchildren: Amy Delozier, of Palmyra; Brian Delozier, of Little Falls, MN; Camrin Edwards, married to Anthony Edwards, of Wyomissing; and Lindsey Delozier, of Mill Valley, CA.

Loy was a 1950 graduate of Lebanon Valley College and received his Veterinary degree in 1952 from the University of Pennsylvania. He lived and practiced in Manheim, for 42 years before retiring to North Cornwall Township, Lebanon County.

He was a member of several professional societies and in 1999 was named Veterinarian of the Year by the Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Association. In 1987 he received the University of Pennsylvania’s Veterinary Award of Merit.

He was a member of the Westminster Presbyterian Church in Lancaster. He was also a charter member of the Manheim Historical Society as well as several other historical societies. He was an advisory board member of Fulton Bank’s Manheim branch for 24 years, a member of the Manheim Lions Club and a member of the Lebanon Country Club for 60 years. He was also a member of the American Legion and the V.F.W., having served in the Army Air Corps during WW II.
He had a strong interest in local sports, which led him to become the coordinator of the Manheim Lions Club Relays during the decade of the 1960s. In that role, he introduced distance relay races for girls which were unheard of at that time in Lancaster County.
Loy was a history buff, having authored or coauthored several books and papers on subjects of local historical significance, particularly Henry William Stiegel and Mt. Hope’s Grubb family. His photo-essay, Manheim: A Green Country Town, and Thoughts While Holding a Thermometer: Short Stories of Forty-two Years of Veterinary Practice, are still much sought after publications.
He was an avid backpacker, biker, hiker, lover of animals and lover of the outdoors. He also loved his second home which he and Rose Marie owned for many years in Lincoln Falls, Sullivan County, PA, where he enjoyed feeding and observing wildlife. When in Sullivan County, he faithfully attended Lincoln Falls Wesleyan Church.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Loy’s memorial service at the Westminster Presbyterian Church, 2151 Oregon Pike, Lancaster, on Friday, September 11, 2015 at 7:00 PM. Friends may visit with the family at the church on Friday evening from 6:00 PM until the time of the service. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be directed to Lebanon Valley College, Office of Advancement, 101 N. College Avenue, Annville, PA 17003.