John A. Schillings, 81, of rural Centre Hall, died Saturday, February 7, 2015 at Mt. Nittany Medical Center at State College.
He was born November 19, 1933 at rural Centre Hall, a son of the late Simon and Bertha Stamm Schillings.
On November 10, 1962 he married Roxie J. Horner who preceded him in death October 10, 2009.
Mr. Schillings served in the U. S. army during the Korean War. Early in life he worked for Culligan Water Conditioning Company. Being a masterful plumber he later started his own business as a plumber and operated that business until just days before his death. He was also active with the water and sewer treatment plant at Country Club Park. In addition he operated a tool sharpening shop in Bellefonte, and later at his Centre Hall residence.
He was a tinkerer who could make, build or fix almost anything. Among the things he enjoyed most in addition to plumbing was mowing and working with his John Deere tractor. John also enjoyed watching Westerns and woodworking As a veteran he retained a membership in American Legion Post 779 at Old Fort.
John is survived by two daughters, Dora May Blair (Donnie) of Bellefonte and Paula J. Parker (David) of Georgia; two sons, Paul J. Horner (Bonnie Andrus) of Centre Hall, and John A. Schillings Jr. of Maryland; a grandson who was raised by the Schillings, Robert Horner, Jr. (Cathy Lockwood) of Centre Hall; thirteen grandchildren, and nineteen great grandchildren ; and one brother Clayton Schillings (Mabel) of Centre Hall.
In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by two sons, Robert Eugene Horner Jr. and Gene Allen Horner.
Friends will be received from 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm, Wednesday, February 11, 2015, at Mark D. Heintzelman Funeral and Cremation Service P. C. 226 S. Pennsylvania Ave., Centre Hall. A memorial service will follow immediately at 3:00 pm at the funeral home. Burial will be private at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in John’s memory may be made to The Wounded Warrior Project P. O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675.
An on line guest book can be signed or condolences sent to the family atwww.heintzelmanfuneralhome.com.