Richard M."Dick" John, age 68, husband of Jean L. (Seydel) John, of East Coventry died suddenly at home on Friday morning, May 9, 2008.? Born in Pottstown, he was a son of the late Edward Franklin John and the late Dorothy (Shanaman) John French.? He was a 1957 graduate of Owen J. Roberts High School.? He then attended the West Chester University, where he played on the school football team.? Mr. John worked for the Philadelphia Electric Company for over 36 years.? He worked in the?Transmission and Distribution?division in several areas including Pottstown, Plymouth and Phoenixville.? ?
He was a very active member of the St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church in North Coventry, He was currently Building Project Manager for Ministries at Main Street to establish a homeless shelter at St. John's ELC. He was a past council president, served on the stewardship committee, and was a Sunday school teacher.? He also volunteered to travel to Tanzania to visit St. John's companion congregation, Korogwe Parish ELCT.? He was affectionately called "Babu" by the members of this church.? This meant "Grandfather" in Swahili.?
Mr. John was a member of the Stichter Lodge #254 F & AM in Pottstown.?32 Degree Scottish Rite (Valley of Reading), Past High Priest of Pottstown Royal Arch No.271, Member Pottsgrove High Twelve No. 321, Rajah Shriner.? An outdoorsman, Mr. John enjoyed hunting, fishing, and was a life member of the Frontier Archery Club in South Coventry.? He was also an avid golfer and played in many leagues in the surrounding areas over the years, most recently at Twin Ponds Golf Course.?He was active with the Boy Scouts and served as a Webelo Leader.? He also taught Bow Hunter Education.? Since retirement he was a part time school bus driver and traveled extensively with his wife.?
In addition to his wife of 49 plus years, Mr. John is survived by two daughters; Sherrie L., wife of Gregory Weary of Boiling Springs, PA, Karen M., wife of Glen Levan, of Birdsboro, one son; Jeffrey A., husband of Jennifer (Hartzell) John, one sister; Margaret, wife of David Swavely, of Nebraska, one brother; Edward Franklin John, Jr., husband of Claudette John of Pottstown, eight grandchildren; Nathan Weary, husband of Deborah, Miranda Weary, Heather Levan, Matthew Levan, Justin Levan, Chelsea Moore, Jordan John and Jacob John, three great-grandchildren; Samantha, Dylan and Austin Weary.? Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Funeral Service at the St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church, 75 East Main Street, Pottstown, PA 19465 on Wednesday morning, May 14, 2008 at 11:00 AM.? Officiating will be the Rev. Dr. Susan Kay Folks.? Burial will be held privately and at the convenience of the family.? Friends will be received from 9:00-10:45 AM, Wednesday morning at the Church.? The Funeral Service will begin at 11:15 AM preceded by a Masonic Service at 11 AM.? The Cattermole-Klotzbach Funeral Home, 600 Washington Street, Royersford, PA is in charge of the arrangements.? Condolences may be made online at www.CattermoleKlotzbachFuneralHome.com.? In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. John's ELC for our Tanzanian Companion Church.