Shettel

John Emerson Shettel, 93, formerly of Kittanning, died with his loving family by his side on Wednesday, March 30, 2022, at Renew Assisted Living in Glenwood Springs, Colo., due to complications from Parkinson’s disease. John rejoins his wife, Doris, who preceded him in death six months ago, after almost 75 years of marriage.

Born Aug. 16, 1928, in Chambersburg, Pa., John was the son of Paul and Viola Shettel.

Surviving John are his children, Bruce Shettel, Bob Shettel, Laurie Barber and Chris Moser, as well as five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

John graduated from Princeton Theological Seminary and was ordained a Presbyterian minister at age 22. During the next 16 years, he served as pastor for four churches in Pleasant Grove, N.J.; Ridgway, Pa.; Glenshaw, Pa.; and Warwood, W.Va. In 1967, John moved to Kittanning to begin the longest portion of his career as associate director of Christian education for the Synod of Pennsylvania. In this general capacity, he served various broad areas of Western Pennsylvania for the next 24 years. In the middle of this interval, he fit into his work schedule the required coursework and research to complete his Doctorate of Ministry degree, which he was awarded in 1982 by McCormick Seminary at the University of Chicago.

After 40 years of service as a Presbyterian minister, John retired in 1991. He and Doris moved to western Colorado. For the past 30 years in Colorado, they enjoyed a very active life — hiking, volunteering in their church and community, and being closely involved with their grandchildren as they grew up.

John will be remembered by his family, friends and colleagues for his deep and well-informed interest in history, science, literature, classical music, how to get humans to work well together and — above all — for his kindness.

In addition to his wife and parents, John was preceded in death by his brother, Paul Shettel Jr., and his sister, Viola Crites.

John is survived by his sister, Joyce Snyder, of San Francisco.

Please consider donating to Habitat for Humanity in memory of John.

Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.