Earl J. Chronister Jr.

YORK Earl J. Chronister, Jr., 84, died at Manor Care Health Services – South on Wednes day, July 8, 2009. He was the husband of Erlene Belle (Myers) Chronister, to whom he was married 63 years on December 30, 2008. Born November 2, 1924, in Dallastown, he was the son of the late Mabel (Markey) and Earl J. Chronister, Sr. He was a true local resident whose family originally settled in East Berlin in the 1730's. His parents had a stand at Central Farmers Market until the 1940's. He was an electrical contractor since 1952 and a well known expert rifleman in the York area. Having survived a heart attack in 1965 and winning state shooting championships, he became involved in long range shooting so that he could still hunt from long range. This endeavor lead him to become involved in research in long range shooting. He tested bullets for Sierra Bullet Company and went on to win many championships including the World Record at 1000 yards, which measured 10 shots within 4.3 inches. He also won the mile and a half shoot where he shot against the Army at Indiantown Gap. He was a life member of the New Fairview Church of the Brethren, the York County Chapter of the Izaak Walton League, the NRA, the 1000 Yard Benchrest Club, and the York County Builders Association. He was loved for his outgoing personality and making people laugh. His deep commitment to the Lord was constant in his life. Earl was a loving father and grandfather. In addition to his wife, Earl is survived by four daughters, Donna and her husband, Ken Ross of New Cumberland, Pattie and her husband, Ken Hoke of Kennesaw, Ga., Bettie Jo Chronister of Frederick, Md., and Connie Chronister of Philadelphia; five grandchildren, Melissa and her husband, Richard Biesecker of Etters, Andrew and his wife, Pam Lucarelli of Derwood, Md., Richard Lucarelli of New Cumberland, Zachary Hoke and Megan Hoke, both of Kennesaw, Ga.; three greatgrandchildren, Kaitlyn Biesecker, Joseph Biesecke,r and Caroline Marie Lucarelli; and a brother, David and his wife, Ruth Chronister of York. He was preceded in death by a sister, Grace, and her husband, Glen Grim. A funeral service will be held 3 p.m. Sunday at New Fairview Church of the Brethren, 1873 New Fairview Church Road, York, PA 17403. Officiating will be Pastor Paul Bentzel. Burial will follow in New Fairview Church Cemetery. A viewing will be from 2 to 3 p.m. Sunday at the church. The Etzweiler Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 1111 E. Market St., York, is in charge of arrangements. www.etzweiler.com