Delbert Wayne Armstrong

Delbert Wayne Armstrong, 70, of Washington, died Friday, April 9, 2010, in his residence. He was born October 26, 1939, in Washington, a son of Robert Earl and Garnet Edna Noble Armstrong. He was a member of Fourth Presbyterian Church. On August 1, 1958, he married Peggy Joan Beckner, who survives. Also surviving are two daughters, Diana Lynn Armstrong Prowitt (Jeffrey) of Washington and Pamela Jo Armstrong Feathers (Robert) of Kingwood, West Virginia; five grandchildren, Colin Matthew Prowitt, Dylan Joseph Prowitt, Aiden James Prowitt, Jacob Bryant DeVall and JoLynn Dawn Feathers. Deceased is a son, Tracy Bryant Armstrong, who died at birth. Friends will be received Sunday from 7 to 9 p.m. and Monday from 3 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. Monday in William G. Neal Funeral Homes, Ltd., 925 Allison Avenue, Washington. Additional visitation will be held Tuesday, April 13th, from 10 to 11 a.m., the time of service, in Fourth Presbyterian Church, 1000 Jefferson Avenue, Washington, with Pastor Sue Kidder-Petritis officiating. Burial will follow in Emmanuel Cemetery, Eighty-Four. Memorial contributions may be made to Habitat for Humanity, 54 West Wheeling Street, Washington, PA 15301-6918; Muscular Dystrophy Association of Pittsburgh, 400 Penn Center Boulevard, Pittsburgh, PA 15235-5605; or to Washington County Food Bank, 1020 Rt. 519, Eighty-Four, PA 15330. “OUTLINE of A VOLUNTEER” In 1960, smitten with unknown muscle disorder in scapula area, he was misdiagnosed as having polio. The disorder began to advance in mid 1960s’s and was then diagnosed as FSHMD (Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy.) By the late 1970s’s, the disease advanced in humeral area, debilitating movement and control of both arms. Being a machinist by trade, the disease made it impossible to perform that job. Doctors at that time advised retirement and in 1977 his life as he knew it did change. He became Mr. Mom and his wife went to full time work, enabling them to provide the necessities of life for the two children. In mid 1980’s, he found his niche in life and accomplished the following: Good father: became best cook around we rarely needed a baby sitter, Dad was it car pooled drove kids to school band parent................and on and on -- even polished Pam’s Band boots! Heard a plea on WJPA radio for volunteers to help with a Food Drive and that started the ball rolling · Joined WJPA FOOD DRIVE 1985 · ordained as an Elder at Fourth Presbyterian Church (served many terms) · Salvation Army Food Coordinator (Office-work), Organized an Earl Thomas Conley (country music singer) concert to benefit local food drive 1986 · The Observer-Reporter joined forces with WJPA food drive and then it became the 2000 Turkey Program. He was a charter member of that program which still goes on yearly to date. 1987-1995 · Co-organizer of a community Gospel Music Rally (all proceeds from the rallies was given to a deserving local charity each year.) 1988 (approximately) · Chairman of CARE “Chemical People Task Force” worked a lot with young people. 1988 · “Citizen of the Year Award” from the Washington-Greene Community Action Corporations for: · active community involvement · providing aid to the disadvantaged to help low-income individuals achieve the means to help themselves · appreciation for untiring efforts to combat the ravages of hunger and drug abuse · being an outstanding example for others · “Christian Witness Award” from Fourth Presbyterian Church. (During which time he participated in caring for a Cambodian Family that was being sponsored by two local churches.) The family became independent enough to move west and raise and send their children to college. During the previous time frame there was a terrible flood in the Mon Valley in which many people lost everything. A local furniture store contacted the Salvation Army with a donation of multiple items of furniture and appliances. Through his ingenuity and persistence, tractor trailer loads of these items were taken to and distributed in the Valley. 1989 · “Certificate of Appreciation” from The Greene County Food Bank. · Habitat for Humanity came to southwestern PA and he was a Charter Member (many meeting were held in his home). He served as VP, TREASURE, and Executive Director over an eight year period.(Their first house was completed in 1990 in Washington). · Organized a fundraiser for Habitat for Humanity around a bicycle trip from Washington state to Washington, Pennsylvania, made by Dr. Robert Vande Kappelle, professor of Religion at W & J. The trip raised over $10,000 for Habitat. · “Share a Crop” was born as a brainstorm after seeing vegetables rot on the ground and not being used. Senior Citizens benefitted from this program as solicited farmers donated their surplus vegetables, which were sorted, packaged and delivered from his garage. This program ran for several years as there was plenty of exposure in local newspapers. 1990 · “Certificate of Appreciation “ from the construction committee of Habitat for Humanity. · “Certificate of Appreciation” from the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association for participation as a member of the Executive Committee in the southwestern PA John Wesley White Crusade. · American Cancer Society “Citation Thank You” for being a Celebrity Bagger during the grocers’ fight against cancer campaign. 1991 · Thomas Campbell Christian Center certificate of appreciation for “Volunteer Service” · Washington County Habitat for Humanity Certificate of Appreciation · Greene County Food Bank Certificate of Appreciation · JC Penney, co-sponsored by United Way Volunteer Action Center, awarded the JC Penney “Golden Rule Award” 1992 · Buffalo Grange, Community Citizen Award “Citizen of the Year” 1994 · League of Women Voters of Washington County award for “Social Service · Member of the Dislocated Worker Unit.” · Dislocated Worker Unit, Commonwealth of PA Certificate of Appreciation for: invaluable contribution to enhancement of the life opportunities of dislocated workers separated from employment or prolonged layoff through no fault of their own and were in need of dislocated worker activities 2002 · Greater Washington Food Bank, in appreciation for: Continued support and generous contributions helping feed the hungry (efforts of 2000 Turkey Program) · Member of The Washington Hospital Volunteer Team · Member of the Washington Communities That Care Program · Instrumental in organizing the Tylerdale food pantry at Fourth Presbyterian Church · Board president of Faith in Action, operated by CARE Center that assists the frail /elderly · Drove for Meals on Wheels 2003 · Started a local support group for those with MD, The group was known as “Lets Talk” 2004 · MDA Chapter recipient of * “Personal Achievement Award” MDA State recipient of, *“Personal Achievement Award” *outstanding achievements and demonstrated success in overcoming the challenges of a neuromuscular disease At Christmas time he was the real live Santa at The Washington Hospital annual program (times 3 yrs.) “Breakfast With Santa”, held for their employees and families.