John Frederick “Fred” Esbenshade

John Frederick [Fred] Esbenshade of Ephrata, PA passed away on August 25, 2016 at Ephrata Manor.  He was the loving husband of Phyllis E. with whom he celebrated 72 years of marriage and who recently predeceased him.

Fred was the third child born at home on the family farm in Eden, Lancaster County, PA on May 16, 1921 to Jacob H. and Maude Zeamer Esbenshade.  He graduated from Manheim Township High School in 1939 and attended DuBois Campus of Penn State.  His working career began on his father’s farm in Eden and from there he worked as a draftsman at New Holland Machine.

A life time member of Grace United Church of Christ, Eden, Fred served as Treasurer and a member of the Consistory for many years.

A 32

nd

Degree Scottish Rite Mason, Fred was a member of the Lancaster Lodge of Perfection and the Valley of Reading.  He was also a 50 year honorary member of the Rajah Shrine, Reading, PA.

Fred is survived by his children John F. Jr husband of Donna, Lancaster; Phillip R husband of Trudy, New Holland and Carol Ann Groff wife of James, York.  He is also survived by nine grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, Fred was predeceased by his siblings Esther (Warfel), Jacob Z., James N., Joseph H., and Robert P.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend a celebration of Fred’s life on Monday August 29 at 11:00 a.m. at the DeBord Snyder Funeral Home, 141 East Orange Street, Lancaster,PA 17602.  Friends may greet the family an hour prior to the service.  Interment in the Landis Valley Mennonite Cemetery will follow.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Grace United Church of Christ, 1947 New Holland Pike, Lancaster, PA  17601 or United Church of Christ Homes, Inc. [Benevolent Fund] 30 North 31

st

Street, Camp Hill, PA  17011.