John Thomas Arford

John Thomas Arford, 86, of Homer City, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, July 29, 2014. He passed away at St. Andrew's Village surrounded by his loving family. John suffered many years with Alzheimer's Disease. John was the son of Fred Arford and Mary Elizabeth (Thomas) Arford of Portage. John was born March 5th, 1928 at his home in Portage. He joined the Army and was stationed in Germany during World War II. He received an Honorable Discharge, having served in the US Army. John was one of the starting members of the Independent Traditional Holiness Church. He was previously employed by Season-All Industries as a supervisor for 23 years. During the winter months, John would deliver house coal, and during the summer months, John would paint houses. As our loving father, dad enjoyed his gardening and always had a weedless garden. Every year he would share his harvest with his family, friends and even strangers. Dad also looked forward to fishing season, which included many trips to Lake Erie for Salmon. Then came hunting season to prowl in the woods to shoot his prize buck or doe. Dad and Mom enjoyed camping with their friends at their Roaring Run Resort and taking many road trips in their RV. John is survived by his wife of 66 beautiful years, Geraldine (Miller) Arford, of Homer City; Sons: Kenneth Arford and wife Billie (Cooke) of Penn Run and Brian Arford and fiancée Doris Pisarcik of Indiana; One Daughter: Connie Rae (Arford) Stuckich and husband, Dennis of Armagh. He is also survived by one sister, Betty (Arford) Godden and husband, George of Suffolk, VA. One granddaughter: Tawnette (Arford) Pavlik and husband, Roger of Blairsville. Two grandsons: John Stuckich and wife Brittany (Yellets) of Armagh and Shawn Arford of Penn Run. One great-grandson: Derrick Pavlik of Blairsville, Two great-granddaughters: Vanessa and Natalie Pavlik of Blairsville. One great-great grand daughter: Trystin Pavlik of Blairsville. John's special friend was his pet cat, Tiny. He was preceded in death by his daughter-in-law Cora Ellen (Burkey) Arford in 2009; His son, Thomas John Arford in 2012; His parents, Fred and Mary Arford,; brothers: William and Fred, Jr. (Ted) Arford; one sister: Janet (Arford) Stombaugh. Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6-8 Thursday, July 31 at the C. Frederick Bowser Funeral Home, Homer City, where services will be held at 11AM Friday, August 1 with the Rev. Charles Williamson, officiating. Interment will follow in the Oakland Cemetery. Graveside military services will be conducted by VFW Post #1989, Indiana. Contributions may be sent to St. Andrew's Village, 1155 Indian Springs Road, Indiana, PA 15701. Funeral Service: Friday, August 1, 2014 11:00 AM