John C Eby, Jr.

Our wise and loving father, John Clifton Eby Jr., entered into the presence of his heavenly Father on October 4th, 2024, at the age of 87. 

Born in Curtis, Arkansas, in 1937, his family relocated to Michigan where he spent his primary years. His family later moved to Portsmouth, Ohio, where he attended Portsmouth High School. Upon graduation, John enrolled at the University of Cincinnati and earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering. 

In 1960 John started his career with Andco Construction, and in 1962 he married Judith Boorman; together they started a family. For over 24 years, John oversaw the construction and repair of blast furnaces used in the steel industry. During those years his job had him relocate to Buffalo, NY, and Burlington, Ontario, Canada. In 1978, he and a partner aquired Furnco Construction based in Pittsburgh, PA.

At a young age, John learned about the Lord Jesus Christ, and accepted Him as his Savior. Even though he had felt a calling to serve the Lord full time, he didn't pursue that calling until later in life. Throughout all his years John acknowledged that, "All is owed to God," and he became a steward of the gifts the Lord bestowed on him. He used some of those gifts by teaching adult Sunday School, singing in the choir, leading Bible Studies and serving in leadership positions in the church. 

In 1984, John sold his partnership with Furnco and reevaluated his calling from the Lord. He enrolled in Trinity Episcopal School for Ministry in Ambridge, PA, and earned his Masters of Divinity in 1988. His home church, South Hills Community Baptist Church, called him as their pastor that same year, and he spent the next eight years serving them and other churches in the American Baptist denomination.

Even when they retired to New Port Ritchey, Florida, in 2004, John continued to serve the Lord with the gifts given him through teaching, leadership and counseling. 

In 2020, when their health began to steadily decline, John and Judy moved to Arkansas to spend their last years with daughter Susannah, and her family. 

Although the Lord blessed our dad and gave him success in his career as an engineer, our father will mostly be remembered for the devotion he showed to his wife and family, his quick wit, his engaging storytelling, the close friendships he fostered, his integrity in all situations, the wisdom he imparted through his teaching, and the counsel he gave to all who knew him. 

Preceding him in death are his parents, John Clifton Sr., and Miriam Thomas Eby. His sister Sherry Eby Glass, his dear daughter Jennifer Carol Fowler, and his devoted wife of 62 years Judith Boorman Eby. 

Those left to cherish his legacy and memory are his remaining children, son, John Clifton Eby III, and daughter, Susannah (Chris) Eby Files, his beloved grandchildren, Melinda (Jeffery) Fowler Brown, Jillian Eby, Sarah Fowler, Samuel Files, Jesse Eby, Bethany Files, and James (Haley) Fowler, and his brother David (Judy) Eby, and sister Helen Eby Ford.

Additionally, there are many other extended family and friends who were blessed by his counsel, friendship, and generous spirit.

A joint memorial service will be held in November honoring our father and our mother, Judy, who left this earthly home just three weeks prior to her beloved husband, John.

"All I have needed Thy hand hath provided: Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!"