Obituary of John P. Engle

Warrensburg: John P. Engle, 66, formerly of Warrensburg passed away April 18, 2013 at Madigan Army Medical Center in Tacoma, Washington. Born April 22, 1946 he was the son of the late Calvin and Jeannette (Henry) Engle. In his formative years, John enjoyed playing football and weightlifting. He also enjoyed music, experimenting with homemade science projects, such as model rockets and was a member of the National Honor Society. John graduated from Warrensburg Central School in 1964. He then attended Fordham University and SUNY Plattsburg; John later went on to graduate from Texas Christian University in 1973 with a BBA in Business Administration. John enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1969, completing his basic training at Lackland A.F.B., and Medic Training at Shepard A.F.B., before being assigned as a Sgt. to Hospital Administration at Carswell Air Force Base, Ft. Worth, Texas in 1973. He advanced in the military rankings, becoming a Second Lieutenant before a tragic accident on June 30, 1975, when he was struck by lightning, leaving him disabled, and forcing him to retire from his military career. He resided at the Canandaigua Veterans Hospital in New York for many years before relocating to the American Lakes Veterans Hospital in Washington State. Besides his parents, he is predeceased by his aunt, Gertrude Henry and his paternal grandmother, Hazel Mere and a nephew, Gary Ostrander, II. John is survived by his children, Kimberly Engle Abrass and her husband, David, and John P. Engle, Jr. and his wife, Sarah, both of WA; his brothers, Stephen L. Engle and his wife, Betty of Warrensburg and Port Orange, Fla., and Brian D. Engle and his wife, Donna of Warrensburg. He also leaves behind seven grandchildren: Taylor, Colton, Jared, Blake, Connor, Madeline and Gavin; along with three nieces; Renee Charlotte and Bryana. Friends may call on John’s family from 10 to 11 am, Saturday, May 4, 2013 at Alexander Funeral Home, 3809 Main Street, Warrensburg. A funeral service to celebrate his life will follow the visitation at 11:00 am at the funeral home with Sr. Linda Hogan, Parish Life Director of St. Cecilia’s RC Church, officiating. Rite of committal with military honors will follow in St. Cecilia’s Cemetery, Warrensburg. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations in John’s name to The St. Cecilia’s building fund or the American Legion. Please visit www.alexanderfh.net for online guest book, condolences, and directions.