Chalmer Alan Lykens, Tyrone, passed away Thursday after a long illness with cancer. He was born in Altoona, son of the late Chalmer A. and Elizabeth M. (Welch) Lykens. On Feb. 3, 1966, he married Diana L. Ambrose in Tyrone.

Surviving are his wife, Diana Lykens; three daughters: Patricia Roemer, Rhonda Lykens Inkrote and Melissa Dinges; six grandchildren: Shawn Ryckman, Andrew Ryckman, Elizabeth Czechorski, Angelina Sassano, Emily Dinges and Paige Dinges; a brother-in-law, Bill Ambrose of Tipton; four sisters: Polly Christine, Barbara Waite, Pam Woomer and Penny Wright; and a brother, Charles Lykens. He was preceded in death by a sister, Betty Walker.

Chalmer was a 1962 graduate of Tyrone High School. He served proudly in the U.S. Air Force as a language specialist from 1964-68. He retired in 2004 as a corrections officer from the State Correctional Institution, Huntingdon. During his retirement he enjoyed driving and making deliveries for Marianna's Foods. He attended the Tipton Baptist Church and was a caretaker for his brother-in-law, Bill Ambrose, for 32 years. He enjoyed puzzles, reading, crosswords and watching Jeopardy. Chalmer was a member of the Tipton Baptist bowling team and he also studied and spoke Chinese.

Friends will be received from 10 a.m. to noon Monday, March 4, 2019, at Richard H. Searer Funeral Home Inc., Tyrone. A funeral service with military honors will be held at noon on Monday at the funeral home, the Rev. Ben Woodring officiating. Contributions in Chalmer's memory may be made to Family House of Pittsburgh, 5001 Baum Blvd., Suite 545, Pittsburgh, PA 15213.