Joseph Samuel Fearnbaugh

Joseph “Joe” Samuel Fearnbaugh

A Heart of Gold –

Joseph “Joe” Samuel Fearnbaugh, age 94, of Carlisle, and formerly of Mechanicsburg, passed away at Forest Park Health Center with family by his side on Friday, March 11, 2016.  Joe was born on Thursday, December 8, 1921 in Mechanicsburg to the late John Henry Fearnbaugh and Carrie C. (Barrick) Fearnbaugh Hosler.  In addition to his parents, Joe is preceded in death by his son, Terry Fearnbaugh, and his four infant children: Debbie Fearnbaugh, twins Gregory and Barbara Fearnbaugh, and Jill Fearnbaugh; and his brother and two sisters.

Joe’s survivors include his loving wife of 68 years, Violet R. Fearnbaugh; his three sons: Donald Fearnbaugh, Ronald Fearnbaugh, Patrick Fearnbaugh; his six grandchildren; his 10 great-grandchildren; his step-brother; his two step-sisters; and several nieces and nephews.

Joe graduated from Pond School House which was a one-room school house in Silver Spring Township.  He was a proud U.S. Army Veteran of World War II, having fought as an artillery soldier at the Battle of the Bulge.  Joe was a member of Trindle Spring Lutheran Church in Mechanicsburg since 1947, where he was active with the youth groups and served as a tape bearer and a councilman.  In 1982, Joe retired from Central Soy and he retired again in 1993 from Turner’s Hydraulics, Inc. in Carlisle.  Joe was a hard worker even to the point of building his own home with his two hands.  He was a scout leader for both Cub Scout Pack 333 and Boy Scout Troop 333.  Joe loved gardening and was passionate about his roses.  Square dancing with his bride was one of Joe’s greatest joys in life.  They danced with Whirl-A-Ways in Carlisle, Continental in York, Shippen Squares in Shippensburg, and Square-Up Campers in Mechanicsburg.  He enjoyed working word searches, cheering on the Phillies and Eagles, and camping and traveling, which is how he and his wife visited 48 states over the years.  Joe had a heart of gold and will be deeply missed.

All are welcome to join Joe’s family at his viewing on Wednesday, March 16, 2016, from 1:30 p.m. until time of service at 3:00 p.m. at Myers - Buhrig Funeral Home and Crematory, 37 East Main Street, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055; with Pastor Aaron M. Erdley officiating.  Joe’s family invites everyone to join them for a time of food and fellowship at Trindle Spring Lutheran Church in Mechanicsburg, immediately following the service at the funeral home.  Cremation will be private, as will interment in Mt. Zion Cemetery in Churchtown, where military honors will be presented by the Cumberland County Honor Guard.

Contributions in celebration of Joe’s life can be made to Trindle Spring Lutheran Church, 14 State Road, Mechanicsburg, PA 17050; or American Heart Association, 1019 Mumma Road, Wormleysburg, PA 17043.

Joe’s family has entrusted his care to Myers – Buhrig Funeral Home and Crematory in Mechanicsburg, (717) 766-3421.  Read Joe’s full obituary, view his memorial video and portrait, and sign his official guest book at www.Myers-Buhrig.com .