Bedford, Pennsylvania - Verle "Popeye" Zembower, 91, of Bedford (Cumberland Valley), Pa., was called home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at home, surrounded by his loved ones. He was born in Cumberland Valley on April 19, 1935, the son of Charles Filler Zembower and Margaret Etta (Deremer) Zembower, both deceased.

On Dec. 30, 1958, he married the love of his life, Alice Jane (Horton), and together they have built a family legacy of love that includes: stillborn son, Bradford Zembower; Randall "Randy" Zembower (deceased) and wife Lee Ann (Matson); Craig Zembower and wife Shari (Daugherty); Brian Zembower and wife Vicki (Robinson); Kevin Zembower and wife Dawn (Yoder); 15 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandson.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by one sister, Ruth "Becky" Eckard; and two sisters-in-law, Geraldine Zembower and Alice's sister Barbara Whitacre. Preceding him in death were siblings, Charles Zembower, George Zembower, Marian Ferguson, Neletta "Nettie" Kroll, William "Bill" Zembower and Royce "Hank" Zembower.

Verle was a lifelong farmer and worked for H. Eugene Koontz in Rainsburg for more than 30 years. He was a member of Bethel Church in Cumberland Valley. He collected all things John Deere and spent a lot of time on his John Deere riding mower, keeping the family dairy farm looking its best. To know Popeye was to love him. He had a smile, a joke, and likely a nickname, for all whom he encountered. He will be deeply missed by all who loved him, but his legacy will continue through his children, and his many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and beyond.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, June 27, 2026, at 4 p.m. at Bedford Valley Bible Church.

The family would like to express sincere gratitude to UPMC Family Hospice nurses, nurse aides, social workers and pastors, as well as for the constant support and care from the many amazing, extended people that make up the Zembower family.

Donations may be made in Verle Zembower's memory to UPMC Family Hospice, 20 Sheraton Drive, Altoona, PA 16601.