John Alan Vankirk

John Alan VanKirk, 66, of Watsontown entered into his father's kingdom on November 27, 2019.

John was born on November 1, 1953 in Sunbury to the late LeRoy and Nancy J. (Gautsch) VanKirk.

He was a graduate of Shikellemy High School in 1971. After graduation he attended Williamsport Community College, where he studied drafting.

Most recently, John worked at Wal-Mart, Lewisburg.

He was an avid sports fan; since playing Little League as a youth, running track in high school, to coaching Little League as an adult. Depending on the season, he enjoyed watching his New York Yankees, Denver Broncos and Alabama Crimson Tide as well as attending Bucknell Bison Men's and Women's basketball games.

In his spare time, John could be found reading his Bible and at the time of his death he was a member of the First Evangelical Lutheran Church of Watsontown.

He is survived by three children, Melissa and Jeremy Temple, of Watsontown, Vanessa VanKirk, of Muncy and John R. and Rebecca VanKirk, of Cape Vincent, NY; six grandchildren, Aubrey and Austin Reichner, Benjamin Temple, Carter Temple, Devlynn Williams, Guinevere VanKirk, and Micah VanKirk;  three siblings, Steve and Carol VanKirk, of Northumberland, Tina and Dennis Stevens, of Northumberland and Renee Snyder, of Sunbury; four nephews, one niece and five great-nephews.

He was preceded in death by a brother, Michael VanKirk.

Friends will be received from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday at the First Evangelical Lutheran Church, 400 Main Street Watsontown, where a memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. with his pastor, the Rev. James H. Fladland, officiating.

Burial will be held privately at the convenience of the family in Riverview Cemetery, Northumberland.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you please send donations to the First Evangelical Lutheran Church of Watsontown, 400 Main Street, Watsontown, PA 17777.

The family is being assisted by Cronrath-Grenoble Funeral Home, 308 Main St., Watsontown.