John Wayne Stottlemeyer

John Wayne Stottlemeyer, 77, of Mercersburg, PA passed away on Thursday, May 23, 2024.

He is survived by his beloved and devoted partner and best friend of 28 years, Zee (Zandra Helfrick).

John retired from the United States Air Force in 1988 as a Chief Master Sergeant after 22 years of service. He was extremely proud of his military career and loved and respected his country. After retirement he worked in various human resources manager positions at local organizations, including Washington County Hospital, Hub Labels, and Quincy Village in PA.

John was an avid fan of the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA drag racing). He also enjoyed motorcycling with Zee and other members of their bike organization. He loved living in the country and appreciated the beauty of the local fields and mountains and enjoyed day trips on country roads. He enjoyed attending football games at Fort Hill High School in Cumberland, MD. He became somewhat of a celebrity fan when he and his great-grandson, Elijah, appeared on the front page of the local newspaper as staunch supporters of the team!

John never turned down an opportunity to “dine out”. He had a special way to establish rapport with service staff that added humor and fun to their days.

John was never a stranger to any child. He provided love, nurturing, guidance, humor, and silliness for his daughter, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. They all loved their special Pappy. His delight with children embraced nieces and nephews as well as extended family. Any place he went, he would reach out and make contact with little ones to bring a smile to their faces and make them laugh. The interactions with children brought John much joy.

John is survived by his daughter, Cynthia Ann Stottlemeyer Hall; grandchildren, Chaney A. Stottlemeyer and his wife Haley, Sabrina R. Houser, Noah D. Kling, and ShelbyLynn Kling; great-grandchildren, Elijah Stottlemeyer, Lincoln Kling, and Rhea Kling; brothers, Kenneth Lee Davis, Daniel Ray Stottlemeyer, and Steven Michael Stottlemeyer; nieces and nephews, Jennifer Lowman, Stacey Renken, and Christopher Stottlemeyer.

A memorial service for John will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 8, 2024 at Rest Haven Funeral Home, 1601 Pennsylvania Avenue, Hagerstown, MD 21742, with receiving of friends one hour prior. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Fisher House Foundation at https://connect.fisherhouse.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=donate.event&eventID=1 or mailed to Fisher House Foundation, Inc, PO Box 791598, Baltimore, MD 21279 to support veterans and their families.