Walter R. "Waxie" Novak, 56, of 103 Locust Street, Muse, died unexpectedly of an apparent heart attack while bear hunting in McKeen County on Monday, November 23, 1998. Mr. Novak was a lifelong resident of Muse, where he was a member and past president of the Cecil No. 2 (Muse) Volunteer Fire Department. He was vice president at the time of his death. He was a member of Washington County Firemen's Association and was the elected constable for Cecil Township and a member of Muse Presbyterian Church. He graduated from Canon-McMillan High School, Class of 1960, and was employed by Joy Mining and Machinery of Meadow Lands as a supervisor. Mr. Novak served with the U.S. Navy for four years during the Vietnam War. He was a member of the Cecil American Legion post and the Bulger Veterans of Foreign Wars. He enjoyed hunting and fishing. Mr. Novak was a member of Safari Club International, Dormont-Mt. Lebanon Sportsman's Club, where he served on the board of directors; Claysville Sportsmen's Club and the National Rifle Association, where he was an instructor. He also was a hunting safety course instructor for the state Game Commission. Mr. Novak had made three hunting trips to Africa, where he bagged several exotic animals. On April 20, 1963, he married Betty Cumer Novak, who survives. Also surviving, in addition to his mother, are a daughter, Tracy Chabalie of Muse; a sister, Beverly Barolo of Upper St. Clair; a grandson, James Walter; and several nieces and nephews. Copyright ©1998 Observer Publishing Co.Last updated Wednesday, November 25, 1998Walter R. Novak
Past president of Cecil No. 2 fire company
He was born May 19, 1942, in Canonsburg, a son of the late Walter A. Novak, who died May 20, 1998, and Camille Buquet Novak of Muse, who survives.