Buffalo Mills, PA – Wayne Mowry “Gabby” Hillegass, 85, of Bard Hollow, went to be with the Lord Saturday November 19, 2016 at UPMC Altoona Hospital.

Born January 26, 1931 at the home of his maternal grandparents in Bard Hollow, Buffalo Mills; he was a son of the late Emmens Melvin and Leda Mary (Mowry) Hillegass. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Nellie Irene “Rene” (Shaffer) Hillegass (2015), a sister, Lila Whetstone; son-in-law, Jason Knopsnyder, and a grandson, Shaston Wayne Hillegass.

Survived by a son, Randy DeWayne Hillegass and wife Barbara (Fair) of Manns Choice, daughters, Lynn Irene Knopsnyder of Garrett,  Kelly Ann Hillegass of Buffalo Mills,  three grandchildren, Mandy Mostoller and husband Steve, Damon Knopsnyder and wife Adrienne, and Zachary Knopsnyder; great grandchildren, Emma, Isaac, Alexis, Joelle, Katelyn, Jason, Clara and Charlee; brothers, Evan Hillegass of Bedford, Ronald Hillegass and wife Vicki of Manns Choice, aunts, Anna Hillegass of Bedford, Mary Lou Hillegass of Johnstown, brothers-in-law, Robert Lohr and James Shaffer both of Buffalo Mills; Roger Whetstone of Bedford; sisters-in-law, Connie Shaffer of Idaho and Bonnie Shaffer of Texas, and many nieces and nephews.

Wayne was a 1948 graduate of Schellsburg-Napier High School. He served in the US Navy during the Korean Conflict. He attended Catherman’s Business School. Wayne worked as a millwright at PPG works No. 7, Cumberland MD, and Rust-Oleum Corp., Willamsport, MD. He retired from Allegany Balistics Labratories (ABL), Rocket Center, WV.

He was a member of the Buffalo Mills United Methodist Church and also attended Hyndman United Methodist Church, First Ave. He was youth leader of the Luther League at Lybarger Lutheran Church in Madley. He was Past Master of the Hyndman Masonic Lodge #589 F&AM, Past Patron of Order of Eastern Star Bedford Springs Chapter #41 and Past Commander of the Oscar Jordan VFW Post 7375. He also was a member of the Bedford American Legion Post 113; and the Fort Bedford Honor Guard, Tall Cedars of Lebanon, Scottish Rite Valley Cumberland, and Milligan’s Cove Historical Society. He served on the board of Directors of the Bedford Rural Electric Co-Op for 21 years.

Wayne had a lifelong love for music. He played many stringed instruments including the mandolin (his favorite), banjo, guitar and fiddle. Over the years he played with many bluegrass and gospel musicians. He played many years in a bluegrass gospel band with Paul Price, Delmar & Brent Biller.  He also called square dances. He enjoyed hunting mushrooms and spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.  He enjoyed playing Bingo and taking scenic rides.

Friends will be received at the Harvey H. Zeigler Funeral Home, Inc., 169 Clarence Street, Hyndman on Tuesday November 22, 2016 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 9 p.m. The Eastern Star will be conduct a service at 8 pm; a Masonic service will follow at 8:30 pm.

A funeral service will be conducted at the funeral home on Wednesday November 23, 2016 at 11a.m. with Pastors James Golla and Kenneth Haines officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.

Burial will follow at Dry Ridge Cemetery, Manns Choice, PA., with Military Honors by the Fort Bedford Honor Guard.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hyndman Masonic Lodge #589, F&AM c/o Tom Groves, 5679 Hyndman Rd., Buffalo Mills, PA 15534

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