John F. Griest

     John F. Griest, 73, of McConnellsburg, PA passed away Thursday, December 2nd, 2021 at the Martinsburg VA Hospital, Martinsburg, WV. 

     John was born in Gettysburg, PA on May 5, 1948, the son of the late Marian (Suplee) Griest and Frederic E. Griest, Jr.  He was the husband of Yvonne T. (Strait) Griest whom he married on June 14, 1981.

     He served in the U.S. Navy as a Navy Corpsman during the Vietnam War.  In addition to his military service,  John was a high school English teacher, and he retired from the Central Fulton School District after a long career. 

     One of the most notable things about John was his dedication to lifelong learning; consequently, he had a wealth of knowledge on a wide variety of topics. He was always eager to share this knowledge with anyone who would listen, whether he knew them or not. 

     Throughout his life, John  remained an engaged community member, and he had a multitude of interests. He attended the Sideling Hill Christian Church in Needmore, PA.  Mr. Griest was also a member of the American Legion Post #561 in McConnellsburg, PA and the Tumbling Run Game Preserve in Cumberland County, PA.  John enjoyed hunting, fishing and music.  He also loved gardening and canning the fruits of his labor. Most of all, he loved his family. 

     In addition to his wife, he is survived by daughter Laurel M. Griest of McConnellsburg, PA, son James F. Griest of McConnellsburg, PA, daughter Kareema S. Griest of Hanover, PA; sisters Marian "Marsha" Baker of East Berlin, PA, Mary (wife of Owen) McKinney of Bendersville, PA; and grandchildren Ian M. Hampton, Nathan M. Hampton and Donovan L. Beltz.

     There will be a viewing on Friday, December 10th, 2021 from 4 to 8 PM at the Howard L. Sipes Funeral Home, Inc., McConnellsburg, PA.  There will also be visitation one hour prior to  the service on Saturday at the funeral home.

     Funeral services will be held at the Howard L. Sipes Funeral Home, Inc., McConnellsburg, PA, at 11:00 AM on Saturday, December 11th, 2021 with Pastor Bill Swope officiating. 

     Interment will be at Siloam United Methodist Cemetery, Harrisonville, PA.  Full military honors will be conducted by the Fulton Honor Guard and Sons of the American Legion. Online condolences may be expressed at www.howardlsipes.com.

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