John Hamilton Krebs

John Hamilton Krebs John Hamilton Krebs, 86, of Lynchburg died Monday, June 18, 2012 at Heritage Green, Daybreak of Alzheimers Disease. John was born on December 31, 1925 in Gambrills, MD a son of the late Robert N. Krebs and Ruth Anthony Krebs. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by three sisters, Zeanette Roberts, Francis Bumgarner and Betty Rumford and a grandson, Dillon Krebs. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Edna R. Krebs, his four children, Page of Lynchburg; Hank Krebs (Teri) of Elizabeth City, NC; Cheryl Krebs of Denver, CO; Bill Krebs (Tracy) of Lynchburg; two special nieces, Topsy Williams and Susie Graniello; ten grandsons and two great-granddaughters. John attended Fork Union Military Academy but dropped out and joined the Army Air Corp after his 18th birthday and served the last two years of World War II. He returned home to Huddleston to complete his high school education and matriculated to Virginia Tech then to Lynchburg College where he earned his B A degree in education and excelled in baseball, track and cross country. In 1981 John was inducted into the Lynchburg College Sports Hall of Fame. He later earned his Master's and Advanced Graduate Degree in Education from the College of William and Mary. Upon graduation, John began his career in education at Callands High School where he coached baseball and basketball; taught physical ed and math; and served as assistant principal. There he met and later married, Edna and they both taught at Renan High School. John later taught and coached in Southampton County, Greensville County, Buena Vista, and Lynchburg. He retired from Education in December 1986 after 34 ½ years. He was a member of West Lynchburg Baptist Church for 43 years and was an active member of the Ruritan National, where he served as chapter president, zone governor; and the Exchange Club of Lynchburg. An athlete, all his life, John played on several adult baseball and softball teams and after turning 40 he took up golf and organized the first golf team for Greensville County High School. He was a scratch golfer when he got Alzheimer's. Johnny inherited a 12 gauge shotgun from his father (who died when he was 4) and became an avid bird hunter. He loved his setters and pointers and they loved him. There was no better Saturday than to rise before sun up and drive to Rockbridge County and hunt all day with Ted Vest. John enjoyed gathering with family and friends and especially reunions. He and his wife traveled far and wide during his retirement years. He was the family patriarch, always encouraging his family, students and friends. This trait continued as long as he could talk and then he did it by his smile. The family is grateful to his caregivers at Daybreak and especially to his two sitters, La'Keisha and Lisa. Dad and Mom are deeply grateful to Page for traveling this road with them. A memorial service will be conducted at 11:00 am Saturday, June 23, 2012 at West Lynchburg Baptist Church, 3031 Memorial Avenue with Dr. Robert Putt officiating. The family will receive friends following the service. In lieu of flowers please consider making memorial contributions to West Lynchburg Baptist Church

The Kingdom Builders. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 317 W. Main Street, Bedford, 540-586-7360.