Stringtown, PA – Harold Eugene “Gene” Stair, 93, of Stringtown went to be with the Lord Thursday November 16, 2023 at home surrounded by his family.

Born July 6, 1930, in Stringtown; he was a son of the late Edwin and Pansy (Campbell) Stair. Also preceded in death by a grandson, and a brother, Gerald Stair.

Survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Pattii Ann (Stahlman) Stair, whom he married November 11, 1955; devoted children, Brian Stair and wife Dawn, Karen Ritchey, Criag Stair, Renee Heavner and husband Brad, and Joie Leydig and husband Shawn; grandchildren, Erica Reddy, Jeremy Stair (Danielle), Megan Swick (Scott), Rachael Bills (Aaron), Bre’ann Riggs, Brooke DiFebo (John), Bethany Rios (Ibby), Allison Lutz (Levi), Crystal Sweatt (Ryan), Ashley Ellsworth (Cody); 27 great grandchildren; brothers, Glenn Stair, Wayne Randall Stair and wife Brenda.

Gene played baseball ever since he could remember. Gene had the opportunity to play shortstop on the Hyndman High School team as a regular when he was in eighth grade and played there until graduation in 1949.

For five years Gene had to thumb five miles home after practice as this was his only form of transportation in order to play baseball. Gene recalls, “While playing for a midget league team in Cumberland, I was helping a farmer cut oats, I told the farmer I would help until it was time to go play ball. When the time came to go, I took off my shoes and waded across Wills Creek to get to Route 96. I ran home, about 1.5 miles, got dressed to play and then I ran three miles to Ellerslie to catch a bus to Cumberland. I was lucky when I got about halfway a car stopped and picked me up and took me to Ellerslie. I tell this just to say how much I enjoyed playing baseball.”

While playing in a local all-star game he was noticed by Pittsburgh Pirates scout, Joe Brehanny, and signed to a professional contract as an outfielder. In 1950, Gene was assigned to a Class D league in Salisbury, NC.

Gene’s professional career was interrupted for three years while he served in the Army during the Korean War. He then returned to professional baseball in 1954 and Pittsburgh assigned him to St. Jean in the Class C Canada league.

In 1955, Gene was assigned to Phoenix, AZ. Then, Gene was promoted to Class A Lincoln, NB.

Gene was employed by the B & O railroad in the offseason and the railroad granted him leave to play baseball. But in the 1956 season Gene was forced to make a decision between playing baseball and working for the railroad. At the time, Gene saw more security in the railroad, but he said that it was one of the toughest decisions of his life.

Gene continued to play or manage the Hyndman Merchants in the Pen-Mar League for 7 years.

Gene’s highlight of his baseball career happened in the fall of 1958, Dick Groat’s all-star team, which consisted of major league, came to Cumberland to play the Pen-Mar all-stars in an exhibition. In the second inning, Gene hit a grand slam homerun off of Elroy Face.

Gene retired from the Chessie Railroad with 30 years of service as a machinist. All his life he was an avid farmer who was known for his sweet corn. He was an active member of Calvary Bible Church for 56 years. Gene loved his Lord and Savior and had a gift of witnessing to those he met along the way. His desire was that all should be saved, what an eternal gift!

Friends will be received at the Harvey H. Zeigler Funeral Home, Inc., 169 Clarence Street, Hyndman on Saturday November 25, 2023, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m.

A funeral service will be conducted at Calvary Bible Church, Gardner St, Ellerslie on Sunday November 26, 2023, at 1:30 p.m. with Pastor Ken Korns officiating. Viewing one hour prior.

Burial will follow at Porter Cemetery.

Gene’s family would like to thank the hospice staff: Paige, Kelly and Tammy they are gems and provided outstanding care.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.zeiglerfuneralhome.com.