Radio Salesman Remembered for Community Service, Work Ethic

One of Indiana County radio’s longest tenured employees passed away Easter Sunday.

Don “Berk” Berkebile passed away Easter Sunday at the age of 87.

Berkebile first joined Indiana’s WDAD radio and its newly signed-on FM sister station, WQMU, in 1968, as an advertising sales representative. He continued after the stations were sold by Clearfield-based Indiana Broadcasters, Inc. (Progressive Publishing) to RMS Media Management in 1988, and again in 2003 when they were sold to current owner Renda Broadcasting. Berkebile remained with the stations – which now also include WCCS (Homer City) and WLCY (Blairsville) – until his death, making him the stations’ longest tenured employee.

Berkebile, who was originally from Johnstown, was known for his commitment to community service, with memberships in the Indiana Eagles, Elks, Moose, and Masonic Lodge #313. He also served in the Army and the Pennsylvania National Guard.

Berkebile is survived by his wife of 65 years, Arlene Reefer Berkebile, his three children, 10 grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren.

Bowser-Minich Funeral Home in Indiana is in charge of arrangements.