Howard Edward Wertz

Howard Edward Wertz, Sr.age 87 of Vestavia Hills passed away Tuesday, January 3, 2011. He is survived by his dear and loving wife, Nell Elizabeth Crocker Wertz. He was preceded in death by his dear first wife, the late Mary Lou Vann Wertz. He was born in Moulton, Iowa. Graduated from Niles Township High School, Skokie, Illinois. He was a graduate of Howard College (now Samford University) Homewood, Alabama with a Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry. He was a member of the Lakeside Baptist Church. He was retired from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama, after 30 years of service, where he was the Vice President of Administrative Services. He served in the United States Marine Corps during WWII, attaining the rank of Sergeant. He served in the United States Air Force during the Korean War and the Air Force Reserves and Alabama Air National Guard, attaining the rank of Captain. He was a member of the Selective Service local draft Board. He was a member of the Boy Scouts of America for over 50 years, an Eagle Scout and a holder of the Silver Beaver Award. He was a past President of the Purchasing Managers Association of Alabama, a past Vice President of District 7 National Association of Purchasing Managers and the holder of the NAPM, 7th District Corcoran Award. He was the founder of the Southeast District Service and Purchasing Council of Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans of the Southeast. He was a member of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama Retirees Trail Blazers, a member of the Sons of the American Revolution, Co. F 4th Alabama Infantry Regiment-Reenactors, Sons of Confederate Veterans, Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War. Visitation will be Thursday, January 5, 2012 from 5:00-7:30 pm at Elmwood Chapel. A graveside service will be 10:00 am on Friday. Family and friends will gather at Elmwood Chapel at 9:30 am for procession to the cemetery. He is survived by his sons and daughter-in-laws, Howard Edward Wertz, Jr., Melissa Elliott Wertz, and granddaughter, Mary Esther Wertz of Birmingham and John Paul Wertz and Cathy Tardy Wertz and a granddaughter, Lauren Alexis Wertz of Mobile, Alabama; step-son, Rev. Robert W. Smith, Jr. and wife Rebecca Hare Smith. Step-daughter, Mrs. Stephanie Sherrer and James Hilton Sherrer. Memorials may be sent to Lakeside Baptist Church building fund, 2865, Old Rocky Ridge Road, Birmingham, AL 35243 or Child Caring Foundation, P.O. Box 830870, Birmingham, AL 35283.