From The Daily Item Sun Apr 03, 2011, 12:00 AM EDT

— RICHFIELD — Norman L. "Shorty" Colyer, 76, of Richfield, entered into eternal rest on Friday, April 1, 2011, at the Sunbury Community Hospital.

He was born April 5, 1934, in McAlisterville, a son of the late Cloyd and Margaret (Smith) Colyer. On Nov. 8, 1958, he was married to the former Sadie L. Potter who preceded him on March 29, 2006.

Early in his employment, Norman worked for various construction firms. He retired as a supervisor from Empire Kosher, Mifflintown after 32 years of service. After his retirement, he assisted the Amish community in transporting them to medical appointments and where ever there was a need.

A devoted husband, father, grandfather and the proud fact that he was a Christian, he was a member of the Church of the Open Door, Evendale.

Shorty loved his family, especially his grandchildren. He enjoyed traveling, reading his Bible, riding his golf cart, watching wildlife, baking, playing cards, Sudoku puzzles and Penn State football.

He is survived by one son, Gary L. Colyer, of Richfield; one daughter, Karen Dressler and her fiancee, Timothy J. Linn, of Richfield; five grandchildren, Chris Dresser and wife, Christin, of Freeburg, Brandon Dressler and Stephanie Dressler, both of Richfield, Shelby Colyer, of Edinboro, and Seth Colyer, of Thompsontown; two great-grandchildren, Logen and Madison Keister; four brothers, George Colyer, of McAlisterville, William Colyer, of Thompsontown, Cloyd Colyer, of McAlisterville, and Roy Colyer, of Mifflintown; one sister, Esther Billow, of McAlisterville; two brothers-in-law, Hoyle Dunn, of Thompsontown and Kenneth Dressler Sr., of McAlisterville; one sister-in-law, Ida Colyer, of McAlisterville; and his beloved pets, his chocolate Lab, Baleigh, mini Dachshund, Dora, and his two cats, Buttons and Ozzy.

He was preceded in death by one son, Scott L. Colyer on July 2, 2003, one brother, Albert Colyer, and five sisters, Althea Meiser and husband, George, Anna Mae Weind, Ruth Colyer, Mildred Dunn and Mary Dressler.

The family will receive friends for the viewing from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at Church of the Open Door, 3157 Middle Road, Richfield, where the funeral will be conducted at 11 a.m. Thursday with Pastor George Swartz officiating.

Burial will be in Hillside Cemetery, McAlisterville.

The George P. Garman Funeral Home, Mount Pleasant Mills have been entrusted with the arrangements.