John “Jack” Douglas Grant, 92, of Lititz, formerly of Stevens, died Monday, Dec. 2, surrounded by his family at the Mount Joy Hospice Center.
He was the beloved husband of Nancy Evans Grant, celebrating their 65th anniversary this past year.
Born in Newark, N.J., he was the son of the late William T. and Mabel (Yates) Grant. Jack graduated from Madison High School, N.J., where he lettered in track and field. A veteran of World War II, Jack served as a sergeant in the Marine Corp for three years and was wounded in the Pacific, receiving a Purple Heart. He attended Lebanon Valley College, Gettysburg College and graduated from Temple Dental School, where he met his wife Nancy.
Jack was a dentist in the Ephrata area for 54 years, fully retiring in his 84th year. A life member of the Lancaster County Dental Society, he received the Herbert K. Cooper Dental Achievement Award for distinguished service and dedication to the dental profession and community in 2008.
A community leader, Jack served as the first President of the Clay School PTA. He was also an Ephrata Cub Scout Leader; and on the Ephrata School Board, Ephrata Recreation Board of Directors, a member of the American Legion and VFW, and president of the Ephrata Swim Team Parents’ Club. Jack was honored as a recipient of the Junior Chamber of Commerce for Outstanding Citizenship in 1954. Jack was also a member of the Ephrata Blue Lodge #665 F.&A.M. and the Rajah Temple.
Jack’s family always came first: his daughters, their spouses and grandchildren. An avid St. Louis Cardinal fan, his interests included ice hockey, downhill skiing, golf, racquetball, woodworking and dancing with Nancy. A member of the Hershey Hunting Camp, Jack loved the out-of-doors and the camaraderie of his buddies.
Surviving are five daughters: Nancy G., wife of Dr. Glenn L. Wenger of Chester Springs; Diane M. Grant, wife of Gene D. Groeschel of Leola; Jill E. Grant of Lancaster; Susan A. Wert of Dallastown and Heather Y., wife of Todd Lindsley of Lancaster; six grandsons.; two granddaughters; one great-grandson and his faithful dog Scarlet. He was preceded in death by his mother and sister Jean, and grandson Aaron J. Shrom.
A visitation will be held Dec. 13 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Stradling Funeral Home, 201 Church Ave., Ephrata. A memorial service will be held Dec. 21 at 2 p.m. at the West Bethany Chapel of Landis Homes, 1001 E. Oregon Rd., Lititz, with Chaplain Donna Shenk. Military honors will be accorded by the Red Rose Veterans Honor Guard. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to Hospice & Community Care, PO Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604 or Landis Homes Caring Fund, 1001 E. Oregon Road, Lititz, PA 17543.
Arrangements by Stradling Funeral Homes, Inc., Akron/Ephrata. Online condolences can be given at stradlingfuneralhome.com.