Gary R. “Buck” Werkheiser, 77, of New Tripoli, died May 4, 2020, in Lehigh Valley Hospital, Salisbury Township.

He and his wife, Diane Sittler-Werkheiser, celebrated 53 years of marriage in February.

Born Jan. 2, 1943, in Fountain Hill, he was the son of the late Kenneth and Evelyn Werkheiser.

A 1960 graduate of Allentown High School, he served his country in the U.S. Army from 1964-66 and was honorably discharged in 1970.

He started his own construction company and, later in 1986, he pursued a new business becoming owner/operator of Alert Security Systems.

In 2007, after 21 years, he decided it was time to retire.

A lifetime member of Lehman Lake Rod and Gun Club, Bushkill, he truly enjoyed his trips to the club.

An avid hunter and fisherman, he took annual fishing trips with family to Canada and, of course, guy trips to Canada and Oneida.

He was also a member of Ontelaunee Rod and Gun Club, the American Legion and New Temple Lodge.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children Jodi Crawford and her husband, Daryl, of New Tripoli; son Jason Werkheiser and his wife, Isabelle, of Nesquehoning; grandchildren Erin, Riley and Molly Crawford; and brother in-law Dewey Masenheimer.

He was predeceased by his sister, Karen, last September.

Due to these difficult times, his wife, children and grandchildren had a private time with him with the help from all of the brave doctors, nurses, chaplain, etc. via conference call.

He would want all those extended family and friends to raise a glass, reflect on his life and wish him God Speed.

Expressions of sympathy may be made at kellerfuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements were made by Keller Funeral Home, Fogelsville.