1934
John
2015
John Ray Koontz
July 7, 1934 — June 18, 2015
Mr. Koontz was born in Bedford on Saturday, July 7, 1934, the son of the late Lloyd A. and Margaret E. (Dibert) Koontz.
John served in the US Army from 1956-1958. While he was stationed in Germany, he met a fellow Western Pennsylvanian named Robert Kimmel. They became friends and one day John got up the nerve to ask Bob about a certain young woman he saw in a group picture that hung in Bob's locker. Well, that young woman was Bob's sister-in-law, Evelyn R. Spangler. This inquiry into a picture is what began a love affair that has spanned over 56 years, four children, many grandchildren and a whole lot of laughter and joy.
On September 28, 1958, he married Evelyn (Spangler) Koontz at the Pleasant Hill Reformed Church.
In addition to his wife he is survived by Daughter- Sharon L. wife of Ken Cramer, Bowie, MD; Daughter- Sheila M. wife of David Bumbarger, Duncansville; Son- Shawn S. Koontz, Harrisburg; Sister- S. Jean Ehlinger, King of Prussia. He is also survived by seven grandchildren, Megan, Kyle, Zach & wife, Deidre, Ian, Samuel, Jenna and Stephen, and one great granddaughter, Addelyn. He was preceded in death by his son, Dean S. Koontz and his brother, Donald Koontz.
John was a member of the Pleasant Hill Bible Church in Imlertown, where he served faithfully as a Church Officer for 60 years. Along with his family, his faith and his church were the most important things in his life. John Ray was a lifelong farmer and drove truck for Agway and the Bedford Farm Bureau. He was a member and a past PA Jurisdictional President for Woodman of the World and he was the Director of the REA for several years. John Ray enjoyed listening to gospel music. He was always active in the community and loved being around people and people in turned loved being around him. John had a strong work ethic and was a godly man that truly cared about others. He was a loving, kind and giving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. He will be greatly missed but we know that we will be reunited in glory with him soon
A funeral service will be held at Pleasant Hill Bible Church, Imlertown at 11:00 AM on Monday, June 22nd, 2015 with Rev. Floyd Rinehart officiating.
Interment will be held at the Pleasant Hill Church Cemetery.
Friends are invited to call on Sunday from 2:00 - 5:00 PM at Louis Geisel Funeral Home, Bedford and Monday 10:00 - 11:00 AM at the church.
The family would like to thank the staff of Donahoe Manor for their kind and compassionate care of John Ray.
In memory of John Ray, memorial contributions may be made to either the Samaritan's Purse or the Salvation Army.
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