John Samuel Bicksler

John Samuel Bicksler, 93, of Mechanicsburg, passed away on Monday, June 22, 2015 at Messiah Lifeways, Mechanicsburg. He was born on October 6, 1921 in Shirksville, PA, a son of the late John Philip and Amanda Balsbaugh Bross Bicksler. John was the husband of the late Elva Mae Smeltzer Bicksler who passed away August 2, 1998. He was a farmer, a Brethren in Christ pastor for 20 years, and a major appliance serviceman for Longenecker’s Hardware in Manheim, where he retired. In his retirement, he was an avid bicyclist and volunteered at Messiah Lifeways. He was a member of the Fairland Brethren in Christ Church, Cleona. John is survived by his daughter Lois A., wife of Lloyd Melhorn Jr., Manheim; son Dale R., husband of Harriet Sider Bicksler, Mechanicsburg; son Dennis R., husband of Tina M. Dimitris Bicksler, Lititz; seven grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren. John was predeceased by two sisters and a brother: Verna Miller; Ralph Bicksler and Ruth Wenger. A funeral service will be held in the Fairland Brethren in Christ Church, 529 W. Penn Ave., Cleona, PA, 17042 on Tuesday, June 30th, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. with a viewing from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. Interment will be in Fairland Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Fairland Brethren in Christ Church.