We will send an invite after you submit!
In memory of
John Russell Schell
August 20, 1936 - August 1, 2019
Aug 20, 1936 - Aug 1, 2019
Photo
John's obituary
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
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in John's memory may be made to Hoenstine Funeral Home, PO Box 631, Lewistown, PA 17044-0631.
Donations may be made to:
Hoenstine Funeral Home
PO Box 631, Lewistown PA 17044-0631
Send to someone
Share this obituary with others
Want to stay updated?
Get notified when new photos, stories and other important updates are shared.
In lieu of flowers
Please consider a donation to Help with funeral expenses.
$3,250
goal
Send flowers
Share your sympathy. Send flowers from a local florist to John's family or funeral.
In lieu of flowers
Please consider a donation to Help with funeral expenses.
$3,250
goal
Send flowers
Share your sympathy. Send flowers from a local florist to John's family or funeral.
Share this memorial website
How you can help
Share with others
Donate in memory
Created with love by
Loretta Garcia.
