John Watson Christlieb

John Watson Christlieb

October 28, 1924 – June 6, 2021

    John Watson Christlieb, age 96, died Sunday, June 6, 2021, at Chapel Pointe, Carlisle, PA.  Born October 28, 1924, in Newburg, PA, he was the son of the late John Sensebaugh Christlieb and Grace Elizabeth Watson Christlieb.  He was married to Kathryn (Kate) Seitz Christlieb for 69 years until her death in 2017.

    John grew up and raised his family in Newville, PA.  He was the seventh generation of the Christlieb family which emigrated from Germany to Cumberland County in 1765.  John attended Newville High School and joined the U.S. Army in 1943.  A World War II veteran, he served two years on the island of Attu in the Aleutian Islands.  Inspired by his boyhood interest in cars, John became a skilled auto body mechanic with Wagner Chevrolet and later with John Walters Trucking, both located in Newville.  He remained active until his 90’s, building and remodeling his home, remodeling the family cabin, and helping his children build and remodel their own homes.  He enjoyed watching NASCAR races and spending time with family and friends at the cabin.

     John was a lifetime member of Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Newville, past member of the American Legion Failor-Wagner Post 421 and the Hamilton-Myers VFW Post 6070, and past Vice President of the Christlieb, Chrislip, Crislip Family Association

     John was preceded in death by his wife Kate in 2017 and son John Gregory in 2010.  He is survived by his children:  Susan Linn Christlieb Naugle and husband Patrick of Gettysburg, PA; Jane Ellen Christlieb O’Brien and husband Richard of Powder Springs, GA; Darby L Christlieb and wife Margaret of Carlisle, PA; and daughter-in-law Pamela Christlieb of Carlisle, PA.  He is also survived by six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

    At John’s request, his ashes will be interred with his late wife, Kate, at the Newville Cemetery.  A private family service will be held at a later date. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Egger Funeral Home, Newville.  In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, 51 West Main Street, Newville, PA 17241 or to Homeland at Home Hospice, 2300 Vartan Way, Suite 270, Harrisburg, PA 17110.

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