Mar 2, 2021

Earl “Jack” Fonner, 92, of Scenery Hill, went to his Heavenly Father as he passed away peacefully Friday, February 26, 2021, in Cambridge Creekside Senior Living.

He was born September 24, 1928, in Youngstown, Ohio, a son of the late Earl Ross and Jane Myers Fonner.

Jack joined the United States Army Air Force in 1946 and was discharged as a sergeant as a certified radio repairman. He was a 40-year member of the American Legion Post 705.

In his early days, he was a custom farmer, drove a school bus, was a heavy equipment operator, and served as a supervisor for North Bethlehem Township for many years. Jack was a retired rural mail carrier for the United States Postal Service, retiring at the age of 70. During his retirement he took care of Scenery Hill Cemetery until the age of 86. He enjoyed farming and raising beef cattle. Known for his firm handshake grip, Jack loved to sit on his front porch swing singing his favorite songs while enjoying his tea and Werther’s. Jack also enjoyed watching his grandchildren play sports, Pittsburgh Pirate games, family get-togethers and listening to gospel music. He was a member of Scenery Hill United Methodist Church, where he was often called upon to sing solos or duets with his wife, there and at other area churches, and weddings.

On September 15, 1955, he married Shirley Ann Rager. They shared 61 years of marriage until her death March 4, 2017.

Surviving are daughters and sons-in-law, Cindy (Jack) Cramer of Bentleyville, Jackie Gibson of Scenery Hill, Sally (Rod) Morrison of Bentleyville, Melissa (Dan) Marchitello of Bentleyville and Leanna (Leonard) Johns of Scenery Hill; 13 grandchildren, Leaeryn Moore, Josh Barker, Kristen Rockey, Lindsey Bertin, Samantha Morrison, Kylie Zmijowski, Jessica Cramer, Mackenzie Marchitello, Parker Morrison, Hannah Hustava, Leyton Hustava, Paige Johns and Leonard Johns; 12 great-grandchildren, Noah, Avery, Jordan, Emma, Aiden, Harli, Calli, Mila, Jordyn, JR, Theo, Knoxley and Monroe; and a cousin who was raised as a sister to him, E. Aldene Cox.

Deceased, in addition to his parents and his wife, Shirley, are a sister, Dorothy Martell; an infant brother, Robert Fonner; son-in-law David Gibson; and granddaughter Sara Morrison.

At the request of the family, a private visitation and burial was held. A public memorial service will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Center in the Woods Adult Day Care – California, c/o Mary Beth Barreca, 130 Woodland Court, Brownsville, PA 15417-9383, and the Scenery Hill United Methodist Church, 856 Spring Valley Road, Scenery Hill, PA 15360.

Arrangements were entrusted to his grandson, Marc J. Zmijowski, funeral director of Leonard M. Pavlic Funeral Homes, Inc., 405 Main Street, Bentleyville.

Condolences may be expressed at www.pavlicfuneralhomes.com.