Eldon "Yank" M. Halverstadt, 89, of 41 Walnut St., Columbiana, passed into Jesus' arms at 10:15 p.m. Friday, October 29, 2010, at Essex 1 in Salem. Yank was born March 12, 1921, in Salem the son of Merle D. and Florence Windram Halverstadt. Yank had worked for Penn Motor Supply in Salem for 35 years from 1946-1981 as an automotive machinist. He was a member of the First Christian Church in Columbiana where he served as an elder, deacon, Sunday School Teacher , and had Bible Study in his home for over 15 years. Yank served in the Special Task Force 3rd Division, European Theatre of Operations, and African Campaign in the U.S. Army during World War II. He was a highly decorated soldier receiving the Silver Star, Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and Prisoner of War medals. Yank was a Truscott Trotter under General Lucian Truscott, a Ranger, and a Sharp Shooter during the war. He marched in the Black Bread March at the end of the war. Mr. Halverstadt is preceded in death by his first wife, the former Ellen M. Lesher, on August 21, 1981. They were married March 12, 1946. Survivors include his second wife, the former Winnie Padurean Smith, whom he married December 30, 1982; daughters Marla Ann (R. James) Creamer of Xenia; Linda (Michael) Simplican of Rogers, Ohio and Nora (Philip) Burbick of Columbiana; a stepson David E. Smith of Columbiana; two brothers, Jay P. Halverstadt of Simsbury, Conn. and Donald E . (Wanda) Huston of Salem; 12 grandchildren , 17 great-grandchildren and one great great grandchild. He is preceded in death by three brothers Nevin, Harry, and Glenn Halverstadt and a grandson Tim Cross. A service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, November 3, 2010, at the First Christian Church in Columbiana with Mr. Clarence Mansfield and Mr. John Reed officiating. Burial will be in Columbiana Cemetery. Friends may call one hour prior to the service at the church. A Military Honors Service will be conducted by the Benjamin Firestone American Legion Post # 290 at the Columbiana Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Columbiana First Christian Church (Missions Fund) or MVI Hospice Care, 4891 Belmont Ave., Youngstown 44505. Seederly-Mong & Beck Funeral Home handled the arrangements. Friends may visit www.seederlyandbeck.com to view this obituary, sign the guest register or send private condolences online.