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John W. Earnsberger

FUNERAL HOME

Swigart Easterling Funeral Home - Canal Fulton

624 Cherry Street East

Canal Fulton, Ohio

John Earnsberger Obituary

John W. Earnsberger lost his courageous battle with ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease) on Tuesday, April 3, 2012. He was surrounded by his family.

John had been an active member in the community of Clinton all of his life. He has been a Clinton fireman since 1966 and had been assistant fire chief since 1999. He also served his country from 1968-1974 in the Marine Corps. Semper Fi. John is retired from USF Holland and had also worked for Pilot Freight and Akron Packing Company. His passions included spending time with his family, especially his best traveling buddy, his grandson, Spenser, and he loved "his girls" - firetrucks.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond "Ike" and Mary L. Earnsberger and his brother, Thomas Earnsberger. John is survived by his best friend and loving wife of 43 years, Linda; his daughter and son-in-law, Regina and Michael McCulligan; his grandson and best buddy, Spenser John McCulligan. He is also survived by his brothers, Robert (Mary) Earnsberger, Bill (Janet) Earnsberger, Dave (Judy) Earnsberger; and sister, Barbara (Ken) Tesch; his in-laws, Donald and Regina Vinson; sisters-in-law, Deborah (Dale) First, Susan (Gerry) Ross; and numerous nephews and nieces. The family would like to thank Rose, Brittany, Kathy, Tekilla and Paula for all of their care and love for John. Also, all those who sent John well wishes.

Funeral service 12 Noon SATURDAY at the Swigart-Easterling Funeral Home, 624 E. Cherry St. (Rt. 93, Canal Fulton). Burial with Military Honors by Canal Fulton VFW #9795 at Clinton Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home FRIDAY, 2 to 8 p.m., with a Last Alarm Service Friday at 6 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to: ALS Association, 2500 East 22nd St., Suite 102, Cleveland, OH 44115; Clinton Fireman's Association, Main St., Clinton, OH 44216; or Legacy Christian Church, P.O. Box 253 Clinton, OH 44216. To honor John, wear red. (Swigart-Easterling, 330-854-2356) www.swigarteasterlingfuneralhome.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Akron Beacon Journal on Apr. 5, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for John Earnsberger

31 Entries

Dot Frey

April 11, 2012

Linda and family,
John left a legacy of love for his family, the community and the Fire Department. Treasure your memories. May God bless and comfort you.
Brent and Dottie

Donna Walters Derrick

April 7, 2012

Regina and the Earnsberger family,
I have never met a man more devoted to his family and community in all my life. John was a giving, loving man. I remember his smile and warmth from my early childhood. He loved you all and couldn't have been more proud of all of you. What a blessing he was to your lives. As you move forward, remember all of the good times. He was taken way too early, but he lived a full life while he was on this Earth. I hope you find peace in your hearts, and I hope he finds my dad when he gets to heaven! I'm sure they have much to talk about! All my love,

Karen and Alena McDaniel

April 7, 2012

So sorry Mrs. McCulligan for the loss of your Dad. We're thinking and praying for you and your family.

April 7, 2012

Linda, Regina, Spenser, and all the Earnsberger family.

We were so sorry to hear of John's death. Since leaving Clinton, we didn't always hear just what was happening but do know that John was a real fighter, for some time. We both always liked John, he was so good-natured, always smiling, and a good guy. He worked hard for Clinton Fire, and it was appreciated.
I, (John D.), always enjoyed having John E. around and his faithfulness to the Fire Dept., and sharing his friendship, as a former Volunteer and 11 years as his Chief. Through "thick-n-thin", you could always count on John's helping hands and his support.

Linda, all of you are in our thoughts and prayers, time does heal, but also know you are very strong. Your love for each other will be in your heart forever.

God Bless you and yours,

John & Sandy Denbow, Lewisville, OH

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Jim Evans

April 6, 2012

John, we will all mis you! Still remember the day you gave me my nickname "Jimmy the Junkman". Linda called me it just the other day. Linda, Regina, Mike, and Spenser will miss you dearly.
Jimmy the Junkman and Family

Thomas Haer

April 6, 2012

Linda and family, Our thoughts are with you in your time of loss. I will always cherish the memories of spending time with my dad and John at the firehouse growing up.
Sincerely, Tommy Haer & Wilma Haer

Debbie Lewis

April 6, 2012

Linda and family, You are in my thoughts and prayers. Linda you were the love of his life and always will be. Regina he was so proud of you. Spenser, I never ran into your Grandpa that he didn't have a story to tell about you. Please know if there is anything you need, do not hesitate to call.

Brenda Messer

April 6, 2012

We are so Sorry to hear of your loss. We hold all the Earnsberger Family in our thoughts and prayers.

Brenda and Casey (Jay and Donna Messer Family)

Jennifer Fitzgerald (Lautenschlager)

April 6, 2012

Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Earnsberger family! Love and hugs to you all.
(the Lautenschlager Family)

Kevin and Tammy English

April 6, 2012

Linda, May you treasure all the memories of love you have for John. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.

Myra Johnson

April 6, 2012

Thank you Chief Earnsberger for you service and sacrifice as chief. To the Earnsberger family may you find comfort in our Lord during this difficult time. To Jason and Angie do not be discouraged, hold on to your faith. Your prayers were answered just not in the way we would have hoped. I love you both.

Norman & Norma Maynard

April 6, 2012

We are saddened to hear of John's passing. He certainly fought a valiant battle against ALS. It was our privilege to have known John and his family for many years during our years living in Clinton. May the "God of all comfort" help soften your loss both now and in the future.

April 6, 2012

Uncle John...We are so so sorry to hear about your passing. I will always remember the fun times we had together. I will never forget when you nicknamed me "Pugsly" when I was little.
I know you are in a better place. We will never forget you.

Love Dawn & Ray, Tyler & Hunter

Bill Orms

April 6, 2012

Sorry to of herad my good friend and fellow teamster brother John ( AKA) (FireTruck) Your now headed for that last truckstop and firehouse in the sky Love ya Marine.
Ed and Duck and myself are all down here in Fla so we cant be there,but are hearts are sadden.We just wanted to say sorry for your lost.

April 6, 2012

Going to miss you buddy. I know you are in a better place. The good times we had together will never be forgotten. I'll love you forever.
Dave

Shawn Yerian

April 5, 2012

My deepest condolences to the Earnsberger family. Chief Earnsberger defiantly had a great impact on my career in the fire service and I will forever be grateful for the opportunities he gave me while volunteering at Clinton Fire Department. He was always there willing to help and wanted to see everyone succeed. He will be missed.

April 5, 2012

Uncle John...you will always be in our hearts....we will miss your smile, your humor, your kind words for all and most of all your dedication in everything you did....thanks for the memories!We love you!
Lori, Brandon, Bryant and Stephen

Aunt Linda and Regina....God bless you and God be with you in the days to come.

Spenser

April 5, 2012

I am going to miss your smile, and all of those interesting trips to the firehouse.
Love,
your best buddy Spenser.

April 5, 2012

I'am going to miss that grin he use to give me when i come up to visit in all he's pain he still could light up the room.love you bro. BARB

Phyllis Mayberry

April 5, 2012

Linda and family, our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at these difficult times may you always have your loving memories of John Peace be with you.
Tom and Phyllis

Donna & Pete Cheney

April 5, 2012

We are deeply saddened for your loss of a great guy. I went all 12 grades of schooling with John. He was always a wonderful guy & friend. Everyone who knew him had the greatest respect for him. John ended up being in our wedding (1967) because of certain circumstances. What a trooper he was filling in, renting a tux, etc. I think you, Linda, had something to do with it but it completed our special day. Our thoughts & prayers go out to each of you at this very difficult time. May God Bless......

Nancy Cottle

April 5, 2012

Linda and Family,
So very sorry for your loss. The Clinton Community has lost a great friend ... John was one of the good guys. May you find comfort and peace in your memories in the days ahead.

wanda harbaugh

April 5, 2012

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Drew and Jessica Podnar

April 5, 2012

We are so very sorry to hear about your family's loss. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Earnsberger family during this difficult time. God Bless.

April 5, 2012

Dear Linda, Regina and Spenser,
Our deepest condolences to you on the loss of your wonderful husband, father and grandfather. We have always admired John and his presence at the fire department and boys' baseball games will be greatly missed. Our thoughts are with you.
Jeff, Michelle, Justin, Jared & Jessica Hagen

Patricia Matchett

April 5, 2012

John will truly be missed by our family--we have been long time friends. John was a wonderful & caring friend, no one could ask for more. I know that Frank is showing him the ropes; and they will be watching over us, guiding us each step of the road ahead. Peace to all. The Matchett Family (the neighbor lady, as was John's nickname for 34 years to Pat)

Sherri Rose-Snyder

April 5, 2012

To the Earnsberger Family,
I am truly sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers to your family during this very difficult journey.

brett sweeney

April 5, 2012

Ive worked with John on the Clinton Fire Dept since 1996. He was instrumental in purchasing the apparatus for the dept. He was a faithful member of the dept. He will be missed. RIP Chief.

Tricia Mcdonald

April 5, 2012

I am so sorry for your loss. I had the pleasure of helping take care of John for a short period of time, He was a very courageous and sweet man...

April 5, 2012

So very sorry for your loss. Many loving thoughts and prayers. God Bless his journey into heaven.
Debbie ( Morgan) Holzopfel

April 5, 2012

My mom and I also want to thatnk the VA for all of their help. My dad was a fighter and fought a hugh battle. He was an inspiration to me. He gave me strength and courage. The world was a better place with him in it. He was the best dad anyone could hope for and he truely loved his grandson. My dad will be missed. The two things that I will miss most of all are his smile and his beautiful blue eyes.

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