Smucker, John R. (1932-2006)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 2006 Oct 9 p. 8

Birth date: 1932 Jul 28

text of obituary:

JOHN R. SMUCKER

John R. Smucker, 74, of Goshen, Ind., died Sept. 1, 2006. He was born July 28, 1932, to J. Mervin and Icie (Wenger) Smucker in Smithville, Ohio.

He married Donna L. Gerber on July 21, 1956, in Walnut Creek, Ohio.

He was a graduate of Smithville (Ohio) High School, Goshen College and Goshen Biblical Seminary.

He was a retired Mennonite pastor, having served pastorates in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Iowa and Indiana. He was a former director of Camp Amigo, and he taught at Christopher Dock Mennonite High School in Lansdale, Pa., and Bethany Christian High School in Goshen. He served on many Mennonite Church and conference committees. He wrote articles and took photos for church-related publications. He enjoyed running an income tax business and working as a painting contractor.

He was a member of North Goshen Mennonite Church. He was also a member of the Elkhart Genealogical Society, J.I. Case Collectors Association and a past president of the North American Schmucker/Smoker/Smucker Family Association.

Survivors include his wife, Donna; two daughters, Elizabeth Grieser and her husband, Michael, of Goshen, and Emily Beidler and her husband, Lorin, of Lancaster, Pa.; two sons, John Smucker and his wife, Beth, of Goshen and Stephen Smucker and his wife, Judy Clemens, of Bluffton, Ohio; a sister, Emma Stutzman and her husband, Carl Berndt, of Orrville, Ohio; three brothers, Stan Smucker and his wife, Marlene, of North Newton, Kan., Ralph Smucker and his wife, Lila, and David Smucker and his wife, Geneva, both of Smithville, Ohio; and 10 grandchildren.

Memorial services were held at North Goshen Mennonite Church. A graveside service was held at Elkhart Prairie Cemetery in Goshen.