Little League® International mourns the passing of Little League Baseball® World Series stadium ushers John Miller, Sr.; Roan Confer, Sr.; Chuck Lengle, and Mel Durrwachter, Sr.
These four individuals combined for several decades of service to fans and spectators attending Little League Baseball World Series games at Howard J. Lamade and Little League Volunteer Stadiums on the Little League International complex in South Williamsport, Pa.
World Series ushers are the attendants responsible for greeting and assisting visitors to the World Series stadiums. Both stadiums offer seats that are individually numbered and grouped by sections. For the final games of the annual World Series tournament, free tickets are distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis. The ushers guide game attendees to open seating and provide direction to specific seats before and during the ticketed games. They are also on hand to provide support if an emergency would occur inside these game venues.
Many people have given their time to this vital support staff position and done so for decades. Mr. Miller, Mr. Confer, Mr. Lengle, and Mr. Durrwachter proudly represent the tradition of World Series ushers who are dedicated to enhancing the World Series experience and committed to Little League’s ideals of volunteerism as displayed by their many years of gracious service to World Series fans and the families of the participants.
Mr. Miller, 75, a resident of Northfield, N.J., worked professionally as an electrician. Many of his 50 years of employment were with Auge Electric Company.
He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Sharon; sons, John and Stephen; daughter, Susan; sister, Betty; and nine grandchildren. He was predeceased by his parents, Theodore and Isabel Miller; granddaughter, Hailey; brothers, Jim, Ed, Bud, and Dick; and sister, Margaret.
Mr. Confer, 79, a native of Honolulu, Hi., resided in Lewisburg, Pa., at the time of his passing.
A 1960 graduate of Williamsport Area High School and later the Williamsport Technical School, Mr. Confer worked professionally as a plumber. Much of his career, he was a self-employed subcontractor, working in the boiler industry.
Mr. Confer is survived by his partner of 23 years, Judi Karr; brother Philip; sons, Roan and Michael; daughters, Cheryl, Lisa, and Lynn; stepdaughter, Sabra; seven grandchildren, and three great grandchildren.
Charles “Chuck” Lengle, 75, was born in Lebanon, Pa., and later resided in the Harrisburg, Pa., area.
He was an Army veteran and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Commerce and Finance and a Master’s degree in Business Administration from Wilkes University.
Professionally, he was a former adjunct professor for Bloomsburg (Pa.) University and Millersville (Pa.) University, and later retired as Executive Vice President of Keystone Risk Managers.
In addition to his parents, Charles and Elizabeth, Mr. Lengle was preceded in death by his sisters, Jean and Anne; and brother, Thomas. He is survived by his wife, Kay; stepsons, Timothy and Scott; brother, Jon, and many nieces and nephews.
Mr. Durrwachter, 96, was born in Williamsport, Pa., and at the time of his passing resided in Montoursville, Pa.
A graduate of Williamsport High School, Mr. Durrwachter earned a certificate in the industrial arts program at Williamsport Technical Institute. He owned and operated Durrwachter’s Dairy and Durrwachter’s Meat Market. He worked for Valmont Dairy, Portion Pac, and as a currier for M&T Bank.
Mr. Durrwachter is survived by his son, Melvin; and daughter, Sharon; four grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren. In addition to his wife of 68 years, Betty; and parents, Albert ad Ida; he was preceded in death by sisters, Ann Louise, Viola, and Marlene.