John William Voelker

John William Voelker, Sr., age 91, Louisville, KY, returned home to his Heavenly Father on March 9, 2024. He was the beloved husband of Betty Ann Lochner Voelker, who preceded him in death, July 18, 2019. Together, they shared 64 years of marriage. He was also a beloved father to John (Pam), Becki (Curtis McBroom), David (Brenda), Brian (Sheila), Laura (David Lankford), Keith (Christine), Melanie (Douglas Pope) and Jeffrey (Joy). He was Pappaw Johnny to many grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He also leaves behind to cherish his memory his sister Mary, a much loved friend of the family, John Demarsh, his best friend, Dave, brothers and sisters in law and a host of nieces, nephews, other family and friends.He lived his life to glorify Christ and spent most of it sharing the good news of the gospel of Christ. He loved teaching others about God’s love, the power of prayer and the truth of the bible; even sharing about a personal relationship with Christ into his last days. Whether it was going door to door, from a booth at the state fair, a lay led revival, at a FFA convention, with soldiers at Fort Knox or with a hitchhiker along the way, Christ was the center of his conversations. He was a dedicated Marine, serving in the Korean War. He was decorated with four medals. He was employed at Marley Cooling Towers and retired after 47 years of service. He farmed and gardened to provide for his family. Many family members and friends reaped the benefits of his strawberries, grapes, tomatoes, and catalpa worms. His grandchildren and great grandchildren enjoyed walking through the garden with him. It gave him great joy. Another great joy of his life was sports, which is what initially drew him to church. He played and coached on many teams from his youth to well into his 60s, including Vine Street Baptist Church, Marley Cooling Towers, South Jefferson Baptist Church, Valley View Baptist Church and, most importantly, John’s Boys.

Fishing, softball, and basketball were his favorites. Since he had many sons and sons in law, they often played on teams together and spent many Friday nights playing barn ball. Many summer nights, they played in church softball leagues, winning the Long Run Baptist Championship multiple times.

Many hours were spent casting fishing lines while sharing life with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Our family was taught to love one another deeply as Christ has first loved us. We are thankful for the legacy of love that Dad and Mom have given us to pass along to our family.

He will be greatly missed but in his own words from only a few days ago, “We have eternity together.”

His Funeral Service will be held on Saturday March 16, 2024 at 1:00 pm at the Cornerstone Community Church,10600 Lower River Road with Burial to Follow in Bethany Memorial Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Friday at Advantage Funeral Home - Hardy Chapel from 5-8 pm and at the church on Saturday from 11am - 1:00 pm. Memorial gifts may be made to Hosparus Health 6200 Dutchman’s Lane, Louisville KY 40205 or Cornerstone Community Church 10600 Lower River Road Louisville KY 40272