Silver Spring, Maryland
Jul 17, 1944 – Aug 3, 2016 (Age 72)
John Kyle Lunsford, age 72, of Silver Spring, Maryland, passed away on Wednesday, August 3, 2016 at his home after a courageous battle with cancer. He is survived by his loving wife of 35 years, Beverly (Koehler) Lunsford along with five children: Lisa and John Bartusek of Silver Spring; Jeff and Jackie Lunsford of Silver Spring; Leah and Ryan Thompson of Rehoboth Beach, Delaware; Jeremy and Michele Lunsford of Silver Spring; and Jaymes Lunsford of Silver Spring; 9 grandchildren: Jackson Lunsford, Jacob Lunsford, Jack Lunsford, Sylvie Bartusek, Luc Bartusek, Josie Lunsford, Emma Thompson, Ella Thompson, and Jonah Lunsford; and many other loving siblings, nieces, nephews, and relatives. John was born in Bourbonnais, Illinois on July 17, 1944 and moved to the Washington, DC area in 1965 to pursue a career in law. He was the son of the late Robert Lloyd and Queen Esther (Strickland) Lunsford. In 1981, John helped found Community of Hope, Inc. in Washington, DC where he worked as an attorney for more than 15 years. More recently he assisted in starting the College Park Community Food Bank, which provides 3-4 days of food for almost 150 families each month. Memorial services for John will be held at 1:00 pm, Saturday, August 13, 2016 at the College Park Church of the Nazarene, 9704 Rhode Island Avenue, College Park, MD. Visitation will follow. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to the College Park Food Bank (donations can be sent to College Park Church of the Nazarene) and/or Community of Hope, Inc. at https://www.communityofhopedc.org/donate/donate-now
I didn't know John and he didn't know me but his work has impacted my life nonetheless. Him co-founding the College Park Community Food Bank has done so much for me personally because without it I don't really know what I'd do. As a financially unstable 22 year old living on my own, the food bank has become an integral part of my life and has helped keep me on my feet.
Thanks John.
Stephen Lyons II
January 23, 2018 | College Park, MD
To all who loved John Lunsford,
I did not know him. I work with Beverly, and through her I have followed the challenges that led to John's passing. I wish I had met him. He must have been quite a guy. He devoted energy and creativity to helping others. For that I have respect for him.
We have lost someone who set a great example for the rest of us. You must be very proud to have been part of John Lunsford's life.
Gail Kohn
Age-Friendly DC Coordinator
Gail Kohn
August 15, 2016 | Takoma Park, MD | Coworker
I only met John once but he seemed very bright and curious when he talked to me about his writing. I'm sure he lives on in you Lisa and your family.
Tom Page
August 12, 2016 | York, ME | Family
Lisa,
Deepest condolences to you and your family at this time. How wonderful that your father volunteered at the food bank. Food banks touch the life of so many needy families and his generosity has made a lifetime of difference for many of them.
Respectfully,
Julie Van Campen
Julie Van Campen
August 11, 2016 | Greenbelt, MD | Coworker
Bev: So sorry for your loss. I have found memories of our legal work together at the Community of Hope. John was my first mentor after law school and taught me a great deal. He had a heart to serve those in need and had a great sense of humor. He was a creative guy, with lots of ideas to try new things. He had a wealth of knowledge in lots of unrelated areas. He will be greatly missed. Rich Hannibal
Rich Hannibal
August 10, 2016 | M CLean, VA | Coworker
John will be missed by all that knew him. I especially enjoyed discussing physics problems with him. In fact, my last discussion with him was about a magnetic experiment I had done. He understood it, and I believe, he agreed with my conclusions. That handshake with him when Barb and I left his home, is how I remember him. A great, very bright, guy. Gone far too soon.
Donald and Barbara Bartusek
August 09, 2016 | Columbia, MD | Family
So sorry to hear about your loss. May you find comfort in memories of happier times.
Ina Strickland-Brown
August 09, 2016 | Rancho Cucamonga, CA | Family
Are prayers and thoughts are with all the family.
Jon Ahlemeier
August 08, 2016 | Muskogee, OK | Family
Bev, Jeremy & Michele and Jaymes,
John was a great man and I will always remember the way he loved you all, served others and lived out his faith. He was a very real blessing in my life and will be missed.
Love you all,
Stu Metzler
Stu Metzler
August 07, 2016 | Lancaster, PA | Friend
