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Subject: Roy Deppen obit
Date: Thu, 31 Mar 2005 16:00:12 EST

From the Shamokin News-Dispatch, Thurs., August 27, 1964

TOWNSHIP MAN DIES FROM EFFECT OF INSECT STING

A 64-year-old Coal Township man, who doctors described as
being super sensitive to insect stings, died yesterday after he
was stung three times by bees in the back yard of his home.

Death of Arthur Roy Deppen, Burnside, widely known service
station proprietor and supplier of mine lamps and explosives
for independent mine operators throughout this section, was
due to anaphylactic shock caused by the stings.

Deppen collapsed a short time after he entered his home and
told his wife that he was stung three times by bees while cutting
the grass in his back yard. He was taken to Shamokin State
General Hospital in Fairview Fire Company Community Ambulance
but was pronounced dead on arrival.

The death of Deppen is believed to be the first of its kind in this area
during recent years attributed to hypersensitivity to insect stings.

Family members said Deppen had been stung on previous occasions
and in each incident became violently ill from the insect attacks. A
special vaccine had been ordered for Deppen by Dr. James Gehris,
local physician, and administration of the serum was to have started
yesterday.

Prior to collapsing in his home, Deppen told his wife that he was
stung in the back of the head behind the ear, on the one arm,
and under the arm.

A short time before the attack, the Burnside businessman had
visited the site of a cottage he was building in the foothills of
Line Mountain.

Born in Hebe, November 13, 1899, Arthur Roy Deppen was a son of
the late Charles and Helen (Geise) Deppen. Educated in schools of
the Hebe area, he later moved from Hebe to Gowen City, where
he resided until 36 years ago when he moved to Burnside.

Mr. Deppen was a carpenter at Burnside, Bear Valley and Henry
Clay Colleries for many years. During the past 18 years he
operated the Lone Oak Gas Station at Burnside and served as
a supplier of miners' lamps and dynamite for independent mine
operators of the area.

The late Coal Township man was married July 3, 1917 to the
former Miss Mary Anna Dewalt. He was a member of Burnside
Union Chapel.

In addition to his business affiliation, Mr. Deppen was widely known
for his interest in hunting and fishing. He was an ardent sportsman
for many years.

Survivors include the widow, three daughters, Mrs. William (Mary)
Heitzman, Burnside; Mrs. Kenneth (Beatrice) Whitmer, Meadowview;
and Mrs. George (Betty) Wolf, Campbelltown; seven grandchildren;
and one great grandchild.

Arrangements for the funeral are under direction of Farrow Funeral
Home.

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