Ray Allen Karchner, 84, of Nescopeck Township passed away peacefully on March 22, 2022, surrounded by family.
Born at home in Nescopeck on June 11, 1937, he was a son of the late Lee and Marjorie (Yost) Karchner. He was a graduate of Nescopeck High School, class of 1955, where he played on the basketball team. He served honorably in the US Army National Guard from 1960 to 1965 achieving the rank of Seargent. At a young age, he was employed at Harts manufacturing, and later he worked at Wise Foods, retiring in 1996. Ray was a farmer his entire life. He tilled and planted many neighborhood farm fields in addition to his own. He operated the Karchner Corner Produce Stand with fruit and vegetables. He was well known for “pick your own strawberries”. Over the years, he pressed many gallons of apple cider and made vinegar. He also was the proprietor of Karchner Hauling and Excavating.
On July 25, 1959, he married his beloved wife, Patricia A (Derr) Karchner. Together they lived in the house he built in 1959 and raised their beautiful family.
Ray was a devoted lifetime member of St. James Lutheran Church, Zenith, where he served in many offices. He was associated with the Nescopeck Ambulance where he was a driver in 1970. He loved to travel and took his family on yearly vacations. Most recently, he enjoyed cruising with his family. In his later years, he enjoyed sitting on the front porch visiting with family, friends, and neighbors. Ray was a survivor of colon cancer and had been on dialysis since April 3, 2017. He was very much a jokester and referred to his work ladies (packer’s friends) as “badalack.” If things were not right, it was “cattywampus.” Overall, he enjoyed life and lived it to the fullest.
In addition to his wife, he will be greatly missed by his children, Beth Ann Radford and her husband Earnest, Oklahoma; Allen Ray Karchner and his wife Maryann, Nescopeck; Bonnie Lea Nevel and her husband Rodney, Nescopeck; grandchildren, Stevin Graham and his wife Sara; Dylan Radford; Michael Karchner; Matthew Karchner; Lexie Nevel; Jackie Nevel; and 7 great grandchildren. He will also be missed by his grand dog, ‘Buddy’ Nevel, whom he loved to give treats to. He also leaves behind his brother, Earl Karchner and wife Ceola; sister-in-law Janie Karchner; brother-in-law Wayne Yoder, and many nieces and nephews who he fondly called “Jake.”
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his brother, Derwood Karchner; and sister, Shirley Yoder.
Ray was well taken care of by FMC Dialysis, Berwick where he formed a bond with his nurses and his rabbit transit driver, George. The family is also very thankful and grateful for the nurses of Commonwealth Home Hospice, who made it possible for him to be home where he was visited by his many friends.
All are welcome to attend the funeral service to be held at Noon on Saturday, March 26, 2022, at St James Lutheran Church, 1488 Zenith Road, Nescopeck. Burial will follow in the parish cemetery. Family will receive friends during the viewing from 10:00 AM until the time of service at the church.
Online messages of comfort may be sent to condolences@hellerfuneral.com.