John R. Smucker

John R. Smucker, 74, of Goshen, died at his home Friday afternoon, September 1, 2006.   He was born July 28, 1932, in Smithville, Ohio, to J. Mervin and Icie M. (Wenger) Smucker.  On July 21, 1956, he married Donna L. Gerber in the Walnut Creek Mennonite Church, Walnut Creek, Ohio.  She survives.   A graduate of Smithville High School, Goshen College and Goshen Biblical Seminary, Mr. Smucker, was a retired pastor.  He served pastorates at the Highway Chapel in East Greenville, Ohio, First Mennonite in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Spring Mount Mennonite in Pennsylvania, Martins Creek Mennonite in Ohio, and Manson Mennonite in Manson, Iowa.  He also served as Director at Camp Amigo, Michigan, and taught at Bethany Christian High School in Goshen, Indiana, and Christopher Dock Mennonite High School in Pennsylvania.   He was a member of the Elkhart Genealogical Society and the J.I. Case Collectors Association and had served as president of the North America Schmucker/Smoker/Smucker Family Association.   A member of the North Goshen Mennonite Church, he enjoyed running an income tax business, working as a painting contractor, and was involved in the north Goshen community.   He is survived by his wife, Donna; two daughters, Elizabeth A. (Michael) Grieser of Goshen and Emily J. (Lorin) Beidler of Lancaster, Pennsylvania; two sons, John D. (Beth) Smucker of Goshen and Stephen P. (Judy Clemens) Smucker of Bluffton, Ohio; and ten grandchildren.  A sister, Emma C. Stutzman of Orville, Ohio and three brothers, Stanley J. (Marlene) Smucker of North Newton, Kansas, and Ralph M. (Lila) Smucker and David H. (Geneva) Smucker, both of Smithville, Ohio, also survive.   Friends will be received 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m., Monday, September 4, at the North Goshen Mennonite Church.   A prayer service will be held at 9:30 a.m. at the gravesite on Tuesday, September 5, in Elkhart Prairie Cemetery.  Family and friends will meet at the cemetery.  Burial will follow.   An 11:00 a.m. memorial service will be held on Tuesday, September 5, 2006, at the North Goshen Mennonite Church.  Rev. Dean Linsenmeyer will officiate.   Memorial contributions may be given to the North Goshen Mennonite Church.