John R. Schell, Sr.

John R. Schell Sr., 82, of Lewistown Borough, fell asleep in the Lord, at 6:43 p.m., Thursday, August 1, 2019, at his home.

Born Aug. 20, 1936, in Harrisburg, he was the son of the late Clayton Sr. and Rosa (Leonzo) Schell Koser, and Anthony Thomas Koser, his stepfather who raised him.  In addition to his parents and stepfather, he was preceded in death by: his second wife, Deanna E. (Wagner) Schell; a son, John R. Schell Jr.; granddaughter, Zoe Rea Schell-Truitt; six great-grandchildren; and siblings, Clayton Schell Jr., Robert Schell, Thomas Schell and Mary Ann Schroy.

John is survived by: children, Christine Vaughn and husband, Gene, of Shirleysburg, Debbie Bryner and husband, Brian, Gary Schell, and Loretta Garcia-Garay and husband, Hector Luis, all of Lewistown; adopted daughters, Debbie Pennington and Heather L. Knepp, both of Lewistown; 17 grandchildren including Tiffany Elliott, adopted daughter of Debbie Pennington; 12 great-grandchildren; sister, Rosalie Schell, of Harrisburg; and a close cousin, Frankie Apa, of Harrisburg.

John attended the Upper Room Worship Center in Lewistown.

He served in the Army Reserve and was employed locally at the axe factory.

He enjoyed fishing, playing cards and bingo, and going for walks.  John loved Elvis Presley and was a loyal Pittsburgh Steelers fan.  He also enjoyed spending every waking moment with his granddaughter, Angel, whom he loved unconditionally.

The family will receive friends from 10 to 11 a.m., Tuesday, August 6, 2019, at Hoenstine Funeral Home, 75 Logan Street, Lewistown.  The memorial service will begin at 11 a.m., with Pastor Barry Spencer officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in John's memory may be made to Hoenstine Funeral Home, PO Box 631, Lewistown, PA 17044-0631.  

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