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John Clayton Christophel, 55, of Elkton, departed this life on Sept. 1, 2009, at Rockingham Memorial Hospital surrounded by his family.
Mr. Christophel was born March 13, 1954, in Sellersville, Pa., and was the son of the late Reuben and Edna Schlosser Christophel. In 1960, his family moved from Lansdale, Pa., to the Valley, where he graduated from Eastern Mennonite High School and attended EMU.
Mr. Christophel co-owned Sierra Wood Stoves for a number of years before moving to a farm near Elkton in April of 1983 and was a member of the Elkton United Methodist Church. John loved his life on the farm and spending time with family. He enjoyed traveling across the U.S., touring on his motorcycle and hiking in Shenandoah National Park. He was active in several civic organizations and enjoyed volunteering in the community and church events.
On June 23, 1973, he married Mary Joyce “MJ” Slabaugh, who survives.
Also surviving are two sons, Jared Christophel and wife, Rebecca, of Minneapolis, Minn., and Jesse Christophel and wife, Kimberly, of Manchester, Conn.; two brothers, Peter Christophel and wife, Carol, of New Haven, Ind., and Paul Christophel and wife, Rebecca, of Harrisonburg; two sisters, Christine Mast Hill and husband, Ralph, of Dayton, and Suzanne Christophel of Alberta, Canada; four grandchildren, Ava, Samuel, Rosemary and Stewart Christophel; and a number of nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, John was preceded in death by two sisters, Deborah Christophel and Rosemary Smith.
The Rev. David Reynolds will conduct the funeral service 11 a.m. Saturday at the Elkton United Methodist Church. Burial will follow in Elk Run Cemetery.
The family will receive friends Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Kyger Funeral Home in Elkton. Friends may also call at the Christophel home at any time.
Memorial gifts may be made to the Elkton United Methodist Church Roof Fund, P.O. Box 82, Elkton, VA 22827.
Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.kygers.com.
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