Ronald Burkholder

Ronald Glenn Burkholder, 77, of Chambersburg, departed this life on the evening of Wednesday, November 18, 2015, at his home.

He was born on February 14, 1938, in Newville, a son of the late Glenn M. and Isabel Bowers Burkholder and attended Newville Schools. Ronald was a U.S. Navy veteran enlisting in 1955 and honorably discharged in 1958. He also served in the U.S. Army Reserve for twenty years. Ronald married Ms. Ethel Louise ‘Beth” Hockley on November 29, 1993 at the Toland Mission Church.

Ronald worked as a Mechanic for the U.S. Army at Ft. Indiantown Gap for 21 years, retiring in 1992. He was a current member of the Brandts Church of the Brethren, St. Thomas. Ronald had been a member of and Sunday School teacher at several other Brethren churches during his entire life. In his free time he enjoyed roller skating, building bird houses, and classic cars.

He is survived by his wife of 22 years, Beth; four children, Ronda (Dave) Swineheart of Palmyra, Daniel Lee Fernbaugh of Newville, John Joseph Fernbaugh of Harrisburg, and Tammy Sue Jean (Michael) Parthemore of Delaware; two sisters, Diane (Don) Jumper of Newville and Connie (Bob) Tichnell of Carlisle; thirteen grandchildren; and many foster children.

In addition to his parents, Ronald was preceded in death by his first wife, Lois Snyder Burkholder, and one son Craig Burkholder.

His funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Monday, November 23, 2015, at the Fogelsanger-Bricker Funeral Home, Inc., Shippensburg. Rev. Roger K. Myers will officiate. Interment, with military honors conducted by the Shippensburg Area Veterans Council, will follow in the Cumberland Valley Memorial Gardens, Carlisle. Viewing will be one hour prior to the services on Monday, at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Brandts Church of the Brethren at 8003 Brandts Church Rd. St. Thomas, PA 17252