Pennsylvania Obituary and Marriage Records, 1947-2010
Rev. James W. "Pastor Jim" Herman
February 1, 1932 - June 6, 2008
Rev. James Walter "Pastor Jim" Herman, age 76, of 2462 McCleary Drive Chambersburg, died on Friday, June 06, 2008 in the Chambersburg Hospital. Born on February 1, 1932 in New Oxford, PA, he was a son of the late John Winfield-Scott Herman and Bessie Mae Mummert Herman.
A veteran of the U.S. Army, Jim served as a Chaplain's Assistant in Japan during the Korean Conflict. Retired since 1996, he served as a United Methodist minister at the following Franklin County United Methodist churches: Fannettsburg, Metal, St. Thomas, Ft. Loudon, Edenville, Scotland and Salem. He also ministered at the Christ Community United Methodist Church in Selinsgrove. A member of St. Paul United Methodist Church and the Association of Retired Pastors for the Central PA Conference of the U.M. Church, he has served as a Chaplain's Assistant at the Chambersburg Hospital since 2000.
In addition to his normal duties as a pastor, he conducted the Family Life Ministry, which taught Christian principles using illusions and his ventriloquist figure, "Chester." Other memberships included the North American Association of Ventriloquists and the Fellowship of Christian Magicians.
He is survived by his wife, Margaret Virginia Daum Herman, whom he married on October 8, 1955; two children, Ann L. (and husband, Kurt) Culbertson of Chambersburg and Mark W. (and wife, Kathy) Herman of Greencastle; two brothers, C. Raymond and J. Richard, both of New Oxford; two sisters, Evelyn Spies of Hedgesville, WV and Ethel Shorb of New Oxford; 9 grandchildren: Elizabeth, Katie, Jesse, Stephen, Paul, Jane, Luke, and Joel Herman, and Emily Culbertson. He was preceded in death by one granddaughter, Jennifer Culbertson.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, June 10, 2008 in St. Paul United Methodist Church, 750 Norland Avenue, Chambersburg, PA 17201, with the Rev. Dr. Timothy Baer and Rev. Rick Noll officiating. Interment will follow at 3:00 PM in New Oxford cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5-8 PM on Monday in the Thomas L. Geisel Funeral Home, 333 Falling Spring Road, Chambersburg, and one hour prior to the service in the church on Tuesday.
Memorial contributions may be made in lieu of flowers to the St. Paul U.M. Church at the above address, the American Heart Association, Franklin Fulton Division, 417 Phoenix Drive, Chambersburg, PA 17201, or to a charity of the donor's choice.
The Rev. Robert E. Miller
1921 - 2007
The Rev. Robert E. Miller of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, died at 5:30 PM, Friday, October 19, 2007 in his home. Born in 1921 in Allen County, Ohio, he was a son of the late Amos and Augusta Miller. He attended Ohio Northern University, graduating in 1944 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree. Robert went on to attend the United Brethren Seminary in Dayton, Ohio and then the Garrett Biblical Institute in Chicago, graduating in 1947 with The Bachelor of Divinity Degree. He was ordained into the ministry in 1947. He married Edna Mae Kempher on June 25, 1944. From 1943-1984, Robert pastored the following United Methodist churches in Ohio; Cairo, Mt. Victory, Cincinnati Winton Place, Norwood Grace, Celina St. Paul's, and the Cleveland Peoples. He pastored two Congregational Churches, Heritage at Berea, Ohio, and The Thomas A. Edison Church at Fort Myers, Florida. Approximately 1300 members were received into these congregations during the 40 year period of Robert's ministry.
Robert retired June 30, 1984, and he and Edna Mae returned to their home-town of Lima, Ohio and later settled in Pennsylvania to be closer to their family. They were active members of their churches, and he enjoyed gardening and reading.
In addition to his wife Edna Mae, Robert is survived by two children, M. Ellen Osborne and husband Richard of Reston, Virginia, and Robert Jan Miller and wife Samantha of Alexandria, Virginia; two granddaughters, Kelly Woodard and husband Kenneth, and Jill Fullilove and husband William; and one great-grandson, Rhys Woodard. Robert is also survived by a brother, Carl Miller of Elida, Ohio.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM, Saturday, October 27, 2007 in the Chapel of Thomas L. Geisel Funeral Home, 333 Falling Spring Road, Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, 17202. William Fullilove will officiate. Interment services will be at Mt. Zion cemetery, Quincy, Pennsylvania. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service in the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to Hospice of the Good Shepherd, 2700 Luther Drive, Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, 17202, or to the Building Fund at St. Paul United Methodist Church, 750 Norland Avenue, Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, 17201.
James “Jim” Paul Kraiss
April 25, 1951 - November 13, 2008
James "Jim" Paul Kraiss, 57, of Bluff City, Tennessee and formerly of Chambersburg , died Thursday, November 13, 2008 in Wellmont Hospice, Bristol, TN. Born April 25, 1951 in Chambersburg, he was a son of the late Paul James and Doris C. Hare Kraiss. Jim graduated from Council Rock High School, Newtown, PA in 1969 and served in the US Navy aboard the USS Constellation during the Vietnam War. His service included two tours in Vietnam and he was awarded the Navy Achievement Medal and a Presidential Unit Citation. A truck driver most of his life, he had been employed by Grove Worldwide in Shady Grove, PA, Food Lion Distribution Center in Greencastle, and most recently by Team Penske. A life member of Veterans of the Vietnam War Post 41, Charles Nitterhouse Post 1599 VFW, and Hume-McNeil-Byers AMVETS Post 224, all in Chambersburg, he also held membership in Burt J. Asper Post 46 American Legion in Chambersburg and St. John's Lodge # 260 F & AM, Carlisle, PA. Jim enjoyed riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycle, driving his corvette, and spending time on his pontoon boat.
He is survived by his loving wife, Sherry Altvater Kraiss, whom he married August 22, 2007; a son, Paul James Kraiss of Chambersburg; two sisters, Sharon L. Doolittle and husband Charles of Millersville, PA and Jennifer B. Sterling and husband Rodney of Wagoner, OK; a brother, Stephen H. Kraiss of Wycombe, PA; a niece, Heather M. Turner of Tuttle, OK; and two nephews, Brian C. Sterling and Nathan R. Sterling, both of Wagoner, OK. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a half-brother, Fred Kraiss.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM Tuesday, November 18, 2008 in the Chapel of Thomas L. Geisel Funeral Home, 333 Falling Spring Road, Chambersburg. The Rev. Paul B. Baker will officiate. Interment with military honors by members of the Charles Nitterhouse Post 1599 VFW Honor Guard will follow in Lincoln cemetery. The family will receive friends from 7:00-9:00 PM Monday and one hour prior to the service on Tuesday in the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 384 Floral Avenue, Chambersburg, PA 17201.
Leta Ferne Newman Reynolds
June 12, 1918 - December 11, 2008
Leta Ferne Newman Reynolds, 90, formerly of Brevard, NC, Rochester, NY, and of Lexington, SC, died at 6:25 AM, Thursday, December 11, 2008 in the Shook Home, Chambersburg, PA. A daughter of the late Claude and Augusta Zechial Newman, she was born June 12, 1918 in Culver, Indiana. She was a graduate of DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana.
Her beloved husband, Philip H. Reynolds, whom she married on December 22, 1941, preceded her in death on June 14, 2008.
She is survived by two children, Philip P. (and wife, Kate) Reynolds of Chambersburg, and Lynne Diane Reynolds (and husband, Mark) Wallace of Justin, TX; grandson, Philp P. (and wife, Rebecca) Reynolds II and a great-granddaughter, Maegan Reynolds, all of Columbia, SC. Aside from her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by a sister, Ruth Blake; and a brother, Paul Newman.
Information regarding services may be obtained by contacting Philip Reynolds at 1529 Linden Road, Chambersburg, PA 17202.
Donations in Mrs. Reynold's memory may be made to Hospice of the Good Shepherd c/o Lutheran Home Care Services, 2700 Luther Drive, Chambersburg, PA 17202.
William T. "Bill" Balke
February 9, 1948 - June 8, 2008
William T. "Bill" Balke, 60, of Chambersburg, died on Sunday, June 8, 2008. He is survived by his wife, Theresa, his mother, Charlotte, both of Chambersburg; 1 brother, James and 2 stepsons, Matthew and Mark, all of Illinois. His memorial service will be held at 1 PM on Thursday, June 12 in the chapel of the Thomas L. Geisel Funeral Home, with visitation from 12-1 PM. Rev. John J. Dromazos will officiate.
Dale L. Brindle
November 21, 1927 - November 13, 2008
Dale L. Brindle, 80, of 44 Glen Street, Chambersburg, died at 11:05 PM Thursday, November 13, 2008 in Reston Hospital Center, Reston, VA, after being transferred there from the VA Medical Center in Martinsburg, WV. Born November 21, 1927 in Belvidere, Nebraska, he was a son of the late Earl S. and Nellie G. Sanford Brindle.
He graduated from the former Shippensburg State Teacher's College in 1949. While teaching high school science in Copperhill, Tennessee, he was drafted by the US Army to serve in the Korean War. He returned to teaching science in Wilmington, DE, then in Hagerstown, MD. Dale was appointed Chief Clerk to the Franklin County Commissioners and also worked as a design engineer for the former Hennessy Products in Chambersburg. In his early retirement years, he earned his real estate license and worked for Ausherman Bros. Realtors in Chambersburg and did some substitute teaching at the James Buchanan High School and for the Chambersburg Area School District.
Dale was an active member of the St. Paul United Methodist Church and for over 50 years a member of the Hoover Bible Class. A 32nd Degree Mason, he was a member and Past Master of George Washington Lodge # 143 F & AM, Chambersburg and a member and Past President of the Waynesboro Shrine Club. Other memberships included being a life member of the Chambersburg Club, B.P.O. Elks #600, Charles Nitterhouse Post 1599 VFW, Burt J. Asper Post 46 American Legion, Hume-McNeil-Byers AMVETS Post 224, and Falling Spring Chapter 2840 AARP, all in Chambersburg. He was a volunteer with Meals on Wheels.
Dale is survived by his loving wife Joyce Byers Brindle; a son, D. Steven husband of Cindy Brindle of Chambersburg; a daughter, Patricia, wife of Gerald Worthington of Shippensburg; three grandchildren, Jarett, husband of Jill Worthington of Pleasant Hall, Stephanie L. Brindle, and Andrew S. Brindle, both of Chambersburg; two great-grandchildren, Elena and Jordan Worthington; a brother, Edgar E. Brindle; and a sister, Stella Mears, both of Shippensburg.
A private memorial service will be held. There will be no viewing. Interment will be private.
The family requests the omission of flowers and suggests memorial donations to the Hoover Bible Class c/o St. Paul United Methodist Church, 750 Norland Avenue, Chambersburg, PA 17201.
Bryan Richard Jumper
November 19, 1973 - December 11, 2008
Bryan Richard Jumper, age 35, of Chambersburg, passed away Thursday, December 11, 2008 in his home. Born November 19, 1973 in Chambersburg, he was a son of Richard L. and Sharon L. DeShong Jumper of Chambersburg. He was a 1992 graduate of Chambersburg Area Senior High School and received an Associate's Degree from ITT Technical School in Mechanicsburg. Bryan enjoyed professional sports and was an avid fan of the Dallas Cowboys and the New York Yankess. He enjoyed bowling and NASCAR and especially liked spending time with his niece and nephew.
Bryan will be sadly missed by his brother, Greg W. Jumper and wife Laken "Sis" of Chambersburg; nephew Tyler Conners of Chambersburg; niece Shelby Hollenbaugh of Fayetteville; Maternal Grandmother Betty Jo DeShong of Chambersburg; his cousin Diane Bischoff; and his very special friend, Athena. He is also survived by numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins; his close friends, Dinen Sanders, Cory Haldeman, Michelle Kipe, Tom Unger, and Steve Kunkleman, and a special friend Hope Oaks with whom he enjoyed hanging out and playing Wii games. He was preceded in death by his Paternal Grandparents, Floyd and Dorothy Jumper and his Maternal Grandfather, Glenn DeShong.
Services and interment will be private.
Thomas E. Parker
August 20, 1942 - October 13, 2007
Thomas E. Parker, 65, of Chambersburg, passed away on Saturday, October 13, 2007 in his home, following his battle with cancer. Born on August 20, 1942 in Chambersburg, he was a son of Elizabeth Kauffman Parker, of Chambersburg, and the late Eugene Parker.
A 1960 graduate of Chambersburg Area Senior High School, Tom earned his B.S. degree in finance and accounting from the former Shippensburg State College, now Shippensburg University, in 1964. With a total of 36 years of service, Tom retired from Letterkenny Army Depot as Director on Information Management. His career at Letterkenny included the MIDA and DESCOM divisions. An avid Penn State fan, Tom was also an exceptional gourmet cook, a gardener, and dog-lover.
He is survived by his loving wife, Virginia "Ginni" Parker; three children, Stacey A. Parker, Jody L. (and husband, Anthony) Onomastico, all of Chambersburg, and Thomas E. "T.E." Parker II of Las Vegas, NV; one brother, Ronald L. (and wife, Carol) Parker of Escondido, CA; one sister, Pam L. (and husband, Ray) Nicarry of Chambersburg; and his 2 ˝ week-old grandson, Drew Anthony Onomastico.
Tom's memorial service will be held at 1 PM on Thursday, October 18, 2007 in the chapel of Thomas L. Geisel Funeral Home, 333 Falling Spring Road, Chambersburg, with the Rev. Courtney Mys officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home one hour prior to the service.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. John's United Church of Christ, 1811 Lincoln Way East, Chambersburg, PA 17202-3390 or to the American Cancer Society, Franklin-Fulton Unit, 384 Floral Avenue Chambersburg, PA 17201.
G. Robert Izer
G. Robert Izer, 97, a resident of the Falling Spring Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Chambersburg, for nearly two years and formerly of 606 Lynn Dr., Greencastle, died at 12:10 a.m. Monday, Feb. 5, 2007 in the nursing home.
Born May 19, 1909 in Greencastle, he was the son of the late Benjamin and Nora (Swisher) Izer.
He worked for over 40 years at the Pangborn Corporation, Hagerstown, Md., retiring in 1975.
Mr. Izer was the oldest member of the Shanks Church Of The Brethren near Greencastle.
He and his wife, Mabel G. (Landis) Izer were married May 27, 1932 in Frederick, Md.
In addition to his wife of 74 years, he is survived by three sons, B. Robert Izer of Shady Grove, Donald E. Izer of Waynesboro and Kenneth E. Izer of Greencastle; a brother, H. Maxwell Izer of State Line, Pa.; three sisters, Isabelle V. Miller of Greencastle, Helen E. Myers, a resident of the Providence Place, Chambersburg and D. Jean Leckron of State Line, Pa.; 11 grandchildren; 25 greatgrandchildren; a great-great grandson.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Lauren Izer and Ambrose Izer; and infant brother, Charles Izer.
Services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 9 in Shanks Church Of The Brethren, near Greencastle, with Ministers David Stahl and Nelson Witmer officiating.
Burial will be in the Cedar Hill cemetery, Greencastle.
The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursdaym, Feb. 8 in the Harold M. Zimmerman And Son Funeral Home, 45 S. Carlisle St., Greencastle, and one hour prior to the service Friday at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Shanks Church Of The Brethren C/O Dale Watkins Treasurer 1904 Bell Ave. Chambersburg, Pa. 17201.
Barbara E. Barnes
Barbara E. (Hummer) Barnes, 57, of 8891 Larry Drive, Greencastle, died at 4:31 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 4, 2007 in Hershey Medical Center, Hershey.
Born Dec. 5, 1949 in Waynesboro, she was the daughter of the late Lewis V. Sr. and Mary Marie (Helms) Hummer. She was a life long resident of the Greencastle area.
Mrs. Barnes attended school in Mercersburg and Greencastle.
She and her husband of over 40 years, P. Jeffrey Barnes, were married March 12, 1966 in Winchester, Va. They moved to the present residence in February 1976.
Mrs. Barnes drove a school bus for a short time, for Greencastle- Antrim School District.
She was a member of First Assembly of God Church, Greencastle; Adult Sunday School Class, served on the Kitchen Committee; was a children church leader; and worked on various other committees within the church. She did volunteer work in Greencastle area all her life.
Mrs. Barnes enjoyed reading, cooking, baking and helping people.
In addition to her husband, she is survived by two daughters, Trudy L. (husband Russell) Woodzell of Hot Springs, Va. and Teresa L. Barnes of Greencastle; a son, Jeffrey L. (wife Karen) Barnes of Greencastle; four grandchildren; six sisters, Rhoda I. Swanger of Shippensburg, Johannah R. Hendrix, Ada K. Wolff, Wilma J. Hart and Wanda M. Myers, all of Greencastle, Naomi J. Mason of Chambersburg; three brothers, Donald R. Hummer, Lewis V. Hummer Jr. and Dennis W. Hummer, all of Greencastle; and a number of nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, Charles L. Hummer, who died in 1944.
A celebration of life was held the morning of Wednesday, Feb. 7 in First Assembly of God Church, Greencastle, with Rev. Dennis C. Sproull officiating.
Burial was in Cedar Hill cemetery, Greencastle.
The family requests monetary donations are made to: First Assembly of God Church, 525 East Leitersburg Street, Greencastle, PA 17225.
Arrangments were handled by Miller-Bowersox Funeral Home, Greencastle.
Rev. Rodger D. Berkey
Rev. Rodger D. Berkey, 52, of 1148 New Franklin Road, Chambersburg, died at 3:20 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 10, 2007 in his home. Born Aug. 28, 1954 in Johnstown, he was the son of Wade A. Berkey of Johnstown, and the late Madeline Grace (Allison) Berkey He graduated from Richland Senior High School, Johnstown, in 1972.
Hazel Adaline Linninger Ensminger
Hazel Adaline Linninger Ensminger, 92, of 1507 Mountain Road, Mercersburg, died Wednesday, Jan 24, 2007 at 211 East Baltimore St., Greencastle.
Born Dec. 19, 1914, in Fort Loudon, she was a daughter of the late William J. and Clara (Gift) Linninger.
She was a 1933 graduate of the former Lemasters High School and attended every class reunion.
Mrs. Ensminger was employed by the former U Wanna Wash Frock Sewing Factory, Fort Loudon.
She was a member of Mt. Zion Lutheran Church of Little Cove.
Mrs. Ensminger enjoyed crocheting, doing word search puzzles and spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She dearly loved her dog, Mosey Jo.
She married Frank W. Ensminger June 6, 1936. He died Aug. 4, 1985.
She is survived by a daughter, Deborah K. (friend of Ronnie Hess) Ensminger, with whom she resided for the last two years; a son, Larry W. (husband of Trudy) Ensminger, also of Greencastle; three grandchildren, Teresa Stoner of Mechanicsburg, Angie Hohman of York and Ty Ensminger of Chambersburg; three great-grandchildren, Olivia, Cecilia and Joshua Stoner, all of Mechanicsburg; two sisters, Harriett Bivens of Greencastle and Isabelle Stahl of Chambersburg; a number of nieces and nephews.
In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by a sister, Catherine Kissinger, and a brother, Robert Linninger.
Services were held Saturday, Jan. 27 in Lininger-Fries Funeral Home Inc., Mercersburg, with the Revs. W. Allen Reed and Denise Horn officiating.
Burial was in Stenger Hill cemetery, Fort Loudon.
Memorial contributions may be made to Mt. Zion Lutheran Church, c/o Mrs. Helen Rank, 2511 Fort Loudon Road, Mercersburg, Pa. 17236; or Hospice, 2700 Luther Drive, Chambersburg, Pa. 17201.
Brinton M. Cordell
Brinton McClellan Cordell, 88, of 560 North Allison St., Greencastle, died at 12:30 a.m. Friday, Feb. 23, 2007 in Manor- Care Health Services, Chambersburg, where he resided for the past two months.
Born May 28, 1918 in Antrim Township, he was the son of the late Tell Phillippy Cordell and Annie Grace (Hartman) Cordell.
He and his wife, Mildred L. (Hoover) Cordell were married April 5, 1941 in Hagerstown, Md. She died Aug. 15, 2001.
In his earlier years he worked at the Landis Tool Company, Waynesboro, the former Greencastle Cold Storage and the former Crist Furniture Store, Greencastle. He retired from Mack Truck of Hagerstown, Md. where he worked as a mechanic.
Mr. Cordell was a member of the First United Methodist Church, Greencastle, where he was a member of the Fellowship Sunday School Class.
He was a veteran of World War II, serving in the United States Navy.
Mr. Cordell was a Life Member of the Harry D. Zeigler V.F.W Post 6319, Greencastle and a member of the Frank L. Carbaugh American Legion Post 373, Greencastle.
He was also a member of the Greencastle Senior Men's Club.
Mr. Cordell enjoyed being with his grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great granddaughter.
He is survived by two daughters, Barbara J. (wife of Stanley) Sollenberger of Chambersburg and S. Diane (wife of Paul Jr.) Strausner of Greencastle; one son, Jeffrey L. (husband of Fran) Cordell of Greencastle; a sister, Helen Pauline Willis of Shippensburg; nine grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren; and one great great granddaughter.
In addition to his parents and wife he was preceded in death by brothers, Howard L. Cordell, William T. Cordell, Robert H. Cordell, Preston E. Cordell and sisters, Margaret C. Statler, Anna E. Cordell, Betty I. Stickel and Doris A. Cordell.
Services were held the afternoon of Tuesday, Feb. 27 in the First United Methodist Church, Greencastle, with Pastor Stacy Crawford officiating.
Burial will be in the Cedar Hill cemetery, Greencastle.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to the Memorial Fund of the First United Methodist Church, 45 N. Washington St., Greencastle, Pa. 17225.
The Greencastle V.F.W. Post 6319 held a memorial service at the church.
Arrangements were handled by the Harold M. Zimmerman And Son Funeral Home, Greencastle.
