Frank John

Frank W. John, 98, of Concordia at the Orchard, Butler, formerly of Kittanning and East Brady, died Sunday.

Born Feb. 7, 1914, in East Franklin Township, Armstrong County, he was the son of George M. and Mary E. (Armstrong) John.

On June 13, 1937, Frank married Margaret E. Collar at the Union First Presbyterian Church in Cowansville. She preceded him in death on Feb. 15, 1996.

A World War II U.S. Navy veteran, Frank served as a storekeeper 2nd class in Bainbridge, Md., Lido Beach, N.Y., Le Havre, France, and Party Rouen, France. He also was involved in U.S. Naval Technical Missions in Paris. He was awarded the European Theater of Operation Ribbon and the Good Conduct Medal.

A 1932 graduate of Kittanning High School, Frank began his career in the lumber business as a clerk at the Burdette Lumber Co. during the Great Depression. He later managed lumber businesses in Ford City, Rural Valley and West Kittanning. Frank was transferred to Meadville, Pa., and worked for Meadville Hardware until World War II. In 1959, Frank purchased the East Brady Lumber Co. and could be seen in his office well into his 90s.

A member of the First Presbyterian Church of East Brady, Frank was a church elder and sang in the choir for many years.

He was involved in the East Brady Rotary, the East Brady Public Library board of directors and was a 50-year member of the Kittanning East Brady Masonic Lodge 244. Frank enjoyed music, singing and floral arranging. He also had a passion for railroads and history.

Surviving are two daughters, Judith A. Montgomery and her husband, Lee, of Butler and Cindy J. Lerch of Edmond, Okla.; one son, William W. John and his wife, Kay, of East Brady; 11 grandchildren, Stephen (Joy) John, Jason (Sally) John, Adam (Jenny) John, David (Tanya) Montgomery, Ann Montgomery, Jennifer Montgomery, Amy (David) Hanford, Scott (Susan) Abernathy Lerch, Matthew (Tammy) Lerch, Tiffany (Patrick) Lewis and Brandon (Meghan) Lerch.

Frank also is survived by 16 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; one brother, Paul John; three sisters, Clara McCanna, Nora Bowser and Pearl Campbell; and one great-grandson, Derrick.

JOHN — Friends of Frank W. John, who died Sunday, Dec. 9, 2012, will be received from 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at Charles B. Buechele Funeral Home, 105 Fourth St., East Brady. Additional visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Thursday at the First Presbyterian Church, East Brady. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at the First Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Raymond Eichler officiating. A private burial will follow in Worthington Lutheran Cemetery.In lieu of flowers, the John family suggests memorial contributions be made to the First Presbyterian Church Music Ministry, 102 Fourth St., East Brady, PA 16028.To view or express condolences, visit www.BuecheleFuneralHome.com.