Edward Earl Acker

Edward Earl Acker, 87, of Saegertown, passed away Monday, November 16, 2020, at Wesbury United Methodist Community due to complication of Covid.

Ed was born in Meadville, on February 9, 1933, a son of the late Earl and Mabel (Taylor) Acker.

On February 26, 1953, Ed married Margaret "Peg" Brown; she survives.

He was a member of Saegertown United Methodist Church and a former member of Hamlin Chapel.

After many years of service, Ed retired from Meadville Housing Corporation where he was the Maintenance Manager. In his earlier years he was employed by the former American Viscose. A Korean War veteran, Ed entered the US Army on March 26, 1953 and served his country honorably until his discharge on March 21, 1955. He was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, Korean Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal and the National Defense Service Medal. Ed was a graduate of Saegertown High School and a member of Saegertown American Legion Post #205. From a very young age, Ed had a passion for baseball and played into adulthood. He was a member of Crawford County Baseball Adult League where he acquired two MVP awards. Quickly after his playing years, he dedicated the better half of his life educating, teaching and inspiring ball players of all ages. Ed amassed over 28 years of head coaching to include American Legion, high school and travel baseball. Ed began coaching following the birth of his children with a group of little leaguers in 1968. As this group of young men aged and progressed, Ed did the same. In 1973, when these boys reached the proper age, Coach Acker started up the Saegertown American Legion Baseball Program. This proved to be a very successful move for both coach and players as the start up team captured nine straight league championships in the first 10 years of existence. In addition to working and coaching, Ed was also an umpire, umping for various high schools and adult leagues throughout the county. After gaining enough experience and respect, he went on to umpire for the Allegheny College Gators and Edinboro University home games, along with the late Nick Perry. Subsequently, Coach Acker took a hiatus from coaching the Legion Program to spend time developing young players, prompted by his grandchildren who were beginning their ball careers. By having nine grandchildren that span over 19 years, Coach Acker spent time coaching each level of recreation ball, twice. Along with coaching he was the sole groundskeeper of the legion field. With help from a long time friend, Don Wilson, many years of grooming went into grooming one of the finest legion fields. In 1986, the Saegertown American Legion Post #205, dedicated the diamond to him based on the many years he spent coaching and grooming the field. It remains known as the Ed Acker American Legion Field, also know as the "Ack". Ed later returned to the Legion Program as an assistant coach for six more years before returning to his field duties full time. He ended his coaching career with the Saegertown Panthers High School Team where enjoyed being at the helm for his final two years of coaching. Ed's good deeds and legacy to the small community of Saegertown and to "Ack" will not be forgotten.

In addition to his wife, Margaret, of 67 years, Ed is survived by four children Vanessa Hopkins (Junior) of Meadville, Rhonda Acker of Saegertown, Cindy Winters (Bill) of Maryville, TN, Mary Margaret Crum (Tim) of Saegertown; nine grandchildren Justin E. Miller (Natalie), Jay M. Miller (Tabitha), Bobbi J. Powell (Mark), Morgan M. Winters, Brooke A. Ford (Stone), Tiffany R. Darling (fiance' Don), David L. Darling III (Nicole), Brandon L. Crum (Ashley), Hannah A. Crum; eleven great grandchildren Isaiah, Jayce, Remy, Will, Finley, Olivia, Stone, Rosalynd, Emaleigh, Griffin, Zoe; a sister Patty Wybiral (Walt) of Amarillo, TX; a brother Daniel Acker (Beverly) of Saegertown; many nieces and nephews.

Due to Covid, private services will be held with Pastor Jeff Little of Saegertown United Methodist Church officiating. The service will be livestreamed on Monday, November 23, 2020 at 10 AM, via Facebook at Stephen P. Mizner Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. Please be present in prayer.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, July 24, 2021, from 2-4 PM at Saegertown American Legion, 755 South Street, Saegertown.

Ed will be laid to rest in Acker-Roger Cemetery with full Military Honors by VFW Post #2006.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Ed's memory to Alzheimers Association, 1600 Peninsula Dr., Suite 15, Erie, PA 16505 or Wesbury Foundation, 31 N. Park Ave., Meadville, PA 16335 or Saegertown United Methodist Church, PO Box 689, Saegertown, PA 16433.

Arrangements are under the direction of STEPHEN P. MIZNER FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., 330 BROAD STREET, SAEGERTOWN.

Share a memory or condolence at www.miznerfuneralhome.com