Lawrence D. Werst

Lawrence D. "Larry" Werst, 84, former Mayor of Topton, PA, died peacefully on Saturday, January 3, 2026 in Allentown, PA. Born on August 15, 1941 in Topton, PA, Larry was a son of the late Raymond P. Werst, Jr. and Mamie A. (Teter) Werst.

Larry was a 1959 graduate of Brandywine Heights High School, Topton, where he served as the class Vice-President, Student Council President, and Newspaper Editor. He was also an accomplished athlete playing on the Varsity soccer, basketball and baseball teams. His outstanding athletic career at BHHS led him to being inducted into the Brandywine Heights Athletic Hall of Fame in 2005. Following his high school graduation, Larry continued his education at The Pennsylvania State University, where he graduated in 1963 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Health and Physical Education and was a member of the Phi Epsilon Kappa Honor Fraternity. In 1965, Larry earned his Master of Education in Physical Education from Temple University.

Larry was employed by The Kutztown Area School District where he taught Health and Physical Education for 24 years until his retirement in 1989. He also served as a coach for several sports teams while at Kutztown. Following his retirement from Kutztown, Larry worked at the Fleetwood Bank from 1989 until 2003 and was a Life Insurance Agent for Franklin Life.

Larry was notably one of the most knowledgeable people about Topton, PA, where he was also a lifelong and proud resident. He was dedicated to serving his one-traffic light town for many years in countless ways. He was an elected official in Topton for 32 years; three years on Borough Council and then serving as Mayor of Topton for 29 years. Larry was a lifetime member and parishioner at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Topton, where he was confirmed on April 18, 1957. He also served as their church Sexton from 1997 until 2010. He has been the dedicated caretaker of the Topton Union Cemetery since 1974 and served on their Board of Directors. He was a member of Pioneer Grange #1777 where he received the Community Action Award in 1980; former Topton Lions Club where he served as President, Secretary and Zone Chair, former Topton Jaycees where he received the Outstanding Citizen Award in 1981, Topton Community Nursing Center Advisory Board, Brandywine Community Library; among others. Larry also was the Curator of the Topton Borough Mini Museum since it's inception, collecting and documenting countless pieces of Topton's history. He created three "Topton Heroes" trading card sets, honoring outstanding citizens of the Topton community. Larry felt it was an excellent way for people to learn about the town and the people who have made it a great place in which to live. When Larry was not at the museum or taking care of the cemetery, he could often be found at Jak's Downtown Diner or just driving around town in his red truck or white car, ironically in Red Sox colors.

In the greater area, Larry served as a former President of Friends of Berks Public Libraries, PA Citizens for Better Libraries, Member of several Retired Teacher's organizations, President of Berks County Association for School Retirees, board member of the Berks County Association for the Blind, served on 8 District Lions Club Cabinets, Berks Mayor's Association, former Northeastern Berks Regional and Berks Lehigh Regional Police Commissions, Red Cross Volunteer, Reading-Berks Basketball Old Timers member, Penn State - Berks Campus Alumni Admissions Committee, American Heart Association Volunteer, Kutztown Area Chamber of Commerce, Kutztown Area Historical Society, and Berks County Association for the Blind. For many years, Larry worked at the annual Kutztown Folk Festival, Kutztown Fair, and PA German Festival.

Larry also was a proud American and dedicated several years of his life to The United States Army Reserves. He was instrumental with the annual Veteran's Day assemblies at Brandywine Heights School District for many years. He was a member of Lehigh Lodge No 326 F. & A.M., Rajah Shrine and East Penn High Twelve. Larry was a sports fanatic. He played recreational sports as well as coached them, and especially loved the Boston Red Sox. He attended many games and collected their memorabilia for many years. Larry could often be found wearing their red and white colors. Whether he was sharing stories of his life experiences or lending a helping hand to anyone in need, Larry left an indelible mark on those fortunate enough to know him. His knowledge, kindness, and generosity will be deeply missed by all, especially the Topton community.

Larry is survived by his nephew, Craig A. Werst, and his wife Vicki, Mertztown, PA; great-nephew Allen D. Werst, and his wife Jane, Mainz, Germany, and their children, Alex and Colsen; great-niece, Ashley M. (Werst) Yerger, and her husband Kevin, Royersford, PA; and many cousins and friends. Along with his parents, Larry was predeceased by his two brothers, Raymond P. Werst and Thomas D. Werst; and sister, Mary Alice Werst.

A funeral service to celebrate and honor Larry's life will be held on Saturday, January 10, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. in Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, 121 S. Home Avenue, Topton, PA, with The Reverend Lisa K. Borrell officiating. Interment, with military honors provided by Ray A. Master Post 217, American Legion Honor Guard, Topton, will follow in Topton Union Cemetery. Relatives and friends are invited to a viewing from 9:00 to 10:45 a.m. in the church. In honor of Larry's love for The Red Sox, please wear your red and white or any sports attire!

The family requests contributions be made in Larry's memory to Topton Union Cemetery, c/o Michael Confer, 130 Culver St., Northampton, PA 18067. Ludwick Funeral Homes and Cremation Care, Inc., Topton, PA is in charge of arrangements. Memories and condolences may be shared by visiting Larry's obituary tribute page at www.Ludwickfh.com.