John Milton Colton III

John Milton Colton III, 83, of Lancaster, PA, passed away peacefully on July 1, 2025, at his residence at Willow Valley Communities.

Born on January 3, 1942, in Hagerstown, Maryland, John was the son of the late John Milton Colton II and Elisebeth "Libby" Kennon Colton. A lifelong learner and educator, he graduated from Mercersburg Academy in 1960, earned his Bachelor's in English from Lafayette College in 1964, and his Master's from Johns Hopkins University after returning from his military service.

John proudly served his country in the United States Army where he met his first wife, Ingrid Ellen Eash. They moved to the Parkville area in the early 1970's for John to complete his Master's; he went on to teach science for the Baltimore County Board of Education until he retired in 1999. During the summers, he shared his love of tennis by teaching the sport to others. His passion for education and mentoring extended far beyond the classroom.

John was introduced to a childhood acquaintance, Alice Ann, who he married in 2010. They later settled at Willow Valley Communities in Lancaster, PA, where they enjoyed a community of friends, culture, and activities.

An active and curious spirit, John enjoyed a wide range of hobbies, including tennis, SCUBA diving, sailing, and attending the symphony. His life was deeply rooted in faith, beginning in his youth at St. John's Episcopal Church in Hagerstown, continuing through his longtime membership at Towson United Methodist Church, and later during his years at Willow Valley with Ascension Lutheran Church. He was a proud member of the Methodist Men and a supporter of Heart Homes.

John was preceded in death by his parents, John M. Colton II and Elizabeth Kirkwood Kennon Colton; his stepmother, Margaret I. Colton; his former wife, Ingrid Ellen Eash; his beloved second wife, Alice Ann Robertson Colton; his granddaughter, Heaven Lee Colton; and his grandson, Vernon Eugene Merrifield III, aka "Colton."

He is survived by his loving daughters, Ellen Elisabeth "Beth" Colton and Joan Fink (Will); his grandson, Dean Colton; his great-grandson, James Beach Colton; his brother, Kirk Colton (Marcia); stepbrothers Roger Clark (Leslie) and Colin Clark (Lee). Also surviving John and close to his heart are Alice Ann's daughters, Beth Winter and Laura Robertson, and grandchildren Dr. James Kiefer and Lindsey Kiefer Koeckert, and a large extended family of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

A service will be held on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. at Lake Shore Baptist Church, 4613 Mountain Road, Pasadena, Maryland. Following the service, family and friends are invited to a reception at the home of Joan and Will Fink.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project or The USO-two causes close to John's heart.

Please visit John's Memorial Page at