John Shoop

John R. Shoop, Sr., 82, of Shippensburg, departed this life on the morning of Saturday, March 26, 2022, at his home after a several month battle with liver cancer.

He was born on May 8, 1939, in Chambersburg, a son of the late Albert B. and Carrie (McGee) Shoop. John married Shirley A. Wagner on June 14, 1989, in Hawaii.

John worked at the former James River, Co., Chambersburg, for thirty-nine years, retiring as a plate maker.

He was probably best known locally as the stand-up base player for the bluegrass band “The Bluegrass Cutups.” John lived and breathed bluegrass music. He was an active and involved member of what was known collectively as “The Valley Barn Dance”, in Amberson, which hosted music and square dancing every Saturday night from the early 70’s until the late 80’s. John liked traveling to country music spots like Nashville, TN, and Branson, MO, and also enjoyed camping at countless bluegrass music festivals over the years. He also loved watching old western movies.

In addition to his wife of thirty-two years, Shirley, he is survived by a daughter, Pamela S. Martin of Chambersburg; his son, John R. Shoop, Jr., and wife Dawn of Newville; step-daughter, Bonnie J. Hummel and husband Whalen of Newville; step-son, Douglas C. Chestnut and wife Christine of Newville; nine grandchildren; four great grandchildren and one soon on the way; five siblings, Jim Shoop, Donald Shoop, Shirley Diehl, Kay Dietrich, and Bonne Fredricks; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his first wife, Mary Francis (Crouse) Shoop; a daughter, Mary L. Shoop; and three siblings, Dale, Warren, and Jay Shoop.

His funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m., on Friday, April 1, 2022, at the Fogelsanger-Bricker Funeral Home & Crematorium, Inc., Shippensburg. Pastor Marlin A. “Butch” Neil will officiate. Interment will follow in the Parklawns Memorial Gardens. Viewing will be Thursday evening from 6:00 p.m., until 8:00 p.m., at the funeral home.