HERBERT ROSS 'Amos' WISE, age 90 years of Fawn Grove, Pennsylvania died at the Susquehanna Valley Nursing Center in Columbia, Pennsylvania at 8:11 p.m. on Thursday, January 10, 2008.

Mr. Wise was born in Fawn Grove on July 4, 1917 a son of the late William and Jane Ann (Kauffman) Wise. He graduated from Fawn Township High School and worked for Fawn Manufacturing Co., becoming a fabric cutter. Following the death of his friend, Ed Sprenkle in action in World War II, Amos enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served aboard ship in the Pacific Theatre as a radioman for the duration of the war. He cherished the memories of the friends he made in the service, and of the adventures they shared exploring the sights of the cities while on liberty.

Amos was very devoted to his mother and chose to return to Fawn Grove to care for her rather than continue with a naval career at wars end. He resumed his position with the sewing factory, working at the 'cutting floor' property on Morris Avenue and serving as the after hours watchman from the house he occupied adjacent to the building, remaining with the company even through changes of ownership, until his retirement in 1982.

He was one of the charter members of the Fawn V.F.W. Post #7133, and helped plan and construct the first baseball diamond and playing field at what is now the Fawn Community Park grounds. He proudly played basketball with the county championship Fawn Grove Redskins team in the 1930s. Amos played in, then continued to organize and coach local ball teams in area competitive leagues for many years. He had a soft spot for underprivileged kids, often paying membership dues for them so they could participate in leagues, or loaning out his own sports equipment or buying what they needed.

Amos delighted in his lifelong friendships with his Fawn Grove neighbors and in watching their children grow up and bring another generation of kids to see 'Uncle Amos' in his little house on Morris Avenue. He loved to relate memories of his youth to his young audiences, imparting Fawn Grove history lessons to all who were interested. He took great pleasure in being their kindly uncle figure, helping them through their growing pains and nudging them in the right direction with gentle advice.

A man of modest means, Amos was happiest in his own cozy living room, the TV turned to sports (especially the Orioles), and with his door always open to a visit from an old friend or good neighbor. He was a lifetime resident of Fawn Grove Borough until declining health necessitated his relocation to a nursing home. Mr. Wise was a member of the Fawn United Methodist Church for over 50 years.

He is survived by:

One sister: Eleanor 'Pindy' Wilson of Westminster, Maryland

Many nieces, nephews, friends and neighbors.

He was preceded in death by his twin sister, Mary Alverta Roberts whom he dearly loved and greatly missed.

Graveside funeral services and interment will be held on Tuesday, January 15 at 2:00 p.m. at Fawn Grove Cemetery.

Officiating will be Pastor Jane Harrison of Fawn United Methodist Church.

Military honors will be presented by the York County Veterans Honor Guard.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Fawn U.M. Church Building Fund, 67 S. Market Street, Fawn Grove, PA 17321