John Smoker Sr.

John Smoker Sr., 78, of Derry Twp., died on Tuesday, November 15, 2016 at Select Specialty Hospital surrounded by his family. He was born August 20, 1938 in Hostetter a son of the late Frank P. and Augusta (Kutshinsky) Smoker. John retired from the US Army after 22 years as a Master Sergeant. He was a veteran of the Korean and Vietnam Wars. After retirement John and his wife operated John & Irma’s Concession Trailer during fair time. He also provided a loving home after retirement. John passions where racing, fishing, boating, football, country music, and especially spending time with his family. Besides his parents John, is preceded in death by five sisters, Frances Moore, Catheryn Smoker, Helen McCracken, Marie Latimer, and Pauline Neiderhiser and two brothers Steve and Edward Smoker. John is survived by his loving wife of 41 years Irmgard “Irma” (Herbst) Smoker of Derry Twp.; John has 3 children John Smoker Jr. and wife Shirley of Derry, Pam Smoker of MS, and Tammy Smoker of Derry Twp.; two brothers, Frank Smoker Jr. of Blairsville and Harry Smoker of Derry; two sisters, Florence Harris of MI and Nancy Leino of MI; 8 grandchildren, Blade and Alexis Boring, Kelli Smoker, Carrie Egan, Ronald, Donald, Michael, and Wayne Klapchar; and numerous great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and friends. Family will receive friends for John’s Life Celebration 2-4 & 6-8 PM Sunday November 20, 2016 in the Matthew X. Merlin Funeral Home, Inc. 529 N. Chestnut St. Derry, PA 724-694-8331. A Blessing Service will be held at 1:30 PM November 21, 2016 in the funeral home with Rev. Stephen C. West as officiate. Interment will be in the Blairsville Cemetery. The Blairsville Military Service Group will conduct full Military Honors at the cemetery. The family would like to give a special thanks to Tim and Cindy Beacom for their support and friendship. Online condolences may be made to the www.merlinfuneralhome.com.

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