A Tombstone For Christmas, 1949

 

In December of 1949, newspapers across the nation carried the story of 11 year olf Bobby Lovell, who wanted a tombstone for his mother for Christmas.  His mother had died the year before, and he did not know where exactly she was buried in the Montoursville cemetery.  Police Chief S. C. Zartman helped Bobby to locate the grave, The J.E. Gibbons company of Williamsport donated a marker of Bobby's choosing, and The Susquehanna Contractors [and association of building trades] collected donations to purchase the cemetery plot where his mother was buried, and provide perpetual upkeep for the grave.

Additional cards and gifts arrived from all around the nation, after the story and photos ran in papers in many states.

Bobby's Mother Has Tombstone For Christmas 

MONTOURSVILLE, Dec. 13 - (P)- - Eleven-year-old Bobby Lovell got tombstone for his mother's grave today as a Christmas gift. "Some day I'll have enough money to buy a marker for my mother's grave," the boy observed when he found it after a search of days. The J. E. Gibbons company, Williamsport tombstone dealers, hearing of Bobby's request, promptly offered to donate one to him. "We will let the boy make his own choice and we will erect the stone in time. for Christmas." said James E. Gibbons, head of the company. The boy lives with his father trailer camp.

His mother died in October, 1948. Residents near the cemetery reported to police they had seen A boy spending considerable time in the Montoursville cemetery. Then the Rev. T. Otto Boor, pastor of the Montoursville Catholic church, picked up.

Bobby while driving along the highway. The boy said he was going to get some plants to put on his mother's grave. But questioning developed that Bobby didn't know exactly where his mother was buried. Chief of Police S. C. Zartman took him to the cemetery and they finally located the grave after walking about the burying ground and, making some Inquiries.

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Beatrice Burget was born September 3rd 1900 in Watsontown, Northumberland County Pa.  She married Lester D. Lovell and lived in Williamsport until her death in 1948, at the age of 48.

Robert E. "Bob" Lovell, 76, of 1121 E. Third St., Williamsport, died Friday, May 30, 2014, at his home. 

Born Sept. 19, 1937, in Williamsport, he was a son of the late Lester and Beatrice (Burget) Lovell.  His companion of 15 years, Joyce Wilcox, died in 1999.

Bob was a former DJ working under the name music unlimited but he was affectionately known as "Rockin Bob."

His favorite gig as a D.J. was at the Hope Enterprise Christmas party, where he received a Hope Enterprise volunteer of the year award.

Bob retired from C.A. Reed. An avid bowler, he enjoyed bowling in a league at ABC Bowling Lanes, Williamsport. 

Surviving are four stepchildren and their spouses, Mark and Louann Wilcox, of Wheelerville, Brad and Vonda Wilcox, of Troy, Nancy and Barry Grove, of Montoursville and Brenda and Alan Hartford, of Alba, Pa.; nine stepgrandchildren; numerous stepgreat-grandchildren; a niece, Deb Lohman, of Williamsport; and numerous other nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents and companion, he was predeceased by a son, Robert E. Lovell Jr. 

A graveside service will be held at the convenience of the family at Twin Hills Memorial Park, Muncy.