Obituary of Willard A. Near

THURMAN - Willard A. Near, 78, of Thurman, died peacefully in his sleep on Monday, Dec. 5, 2005. Willard was born June 8, 1927, in Schenectady. He was the son of Willard H. and Nellie (Ackerman) Near. After attending Nott Terrace High School, Willard served in the U.S. Army in World War II, stationed in Panama. he married Ruth A. Dotter on April 15, 1950, in Colonie, N.Y. Willard was employed by Empire Markets and Grand Union Company for over 40 years as a truck driver, retiring in 1988. He enjoyed meeting other Grand Union retirees for lunch. Retiring to Thurman, Willard had more time to give to his longtime hobby of collecting milk bottles. And avid and knowledgeable collector, he was a member of several milk bottle organizations, and a charter member of the National Bottle Museum in Ballston Spa. A lifelong truck driver, he enjoyed antique truck shows and had a large collection of John Deere memorabilia. He enjoyed gardening and twice won the Thurman Beautifucation award for his yard. Willard loved spending time with his family and friends, especially his grandsons. He was part of the community of the First Presbyterian Church of Warrensburg. He was also blessed to be part of a group of couples who have maintained lifelong friendships since high school. He was predeceased by his parents, his uncle, Augustus E. near, and his brother, George L. Near. Survivors include his wife of 55 years, Ruth; his daughters, Esther McTague and her husband, Patrick, of Thurman and Susan Near and her husband, Ted Brodowy and son, Gabriel of Helena, Mont; his sister-in-law, Patricia Edick of Santa Barbara, Calif.; also surviving are his grandsons, Michael P. McTague of Saratoga Springs, and Andrew S. McTague and Daniel F. McTague of Warrensburg. He is also survived by several nephews, nieces and cousins. Friends may call on the family from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday at Alexander-Baker Funeral Home, 3809 Main St., Warrensburg. Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Friday at the funeral home with the Rev. Allen Brokaw of the Warensburg First Presbyterian Church officiaing. Burial will follow at Dunning Street Cemetery, Malta. The family suggests memorials to go to the National Bottle Museum of Ballston Spa, NY 12020 or the Thurman EMS, Athol, NY 12810.