John K. Grace
September 22, 1926 — October 9, 2008
John K. “Soupy” Grace 82 of Business 220, Bedford, died Thursday at Presbyterian Hospital in Pittsburgh. He was born September 22, 1926 in Hopewell, a son of the late Wilday I. and Olive (Moore) Grace. On November 10, 1950 in Cumberland, MD, he married Mary Lou Cuppett and she survives along with a son Gregg S. Grace of Bedford and a daughter Susan G. wife of Richard Rohrbaugh of Cary, NC, five grandchildren: Justin and Lindsay Grace and Nathaniel, Neil and Madeline Rohrbaugh.
He was the last surviving member of his family. He was preceded in death by four brothers: Blair, Clifford, Robert and Wilday Jr. and a sister, Geraldine married to Paul Lilly.
Mr. Grace was a bricklayer by trade, he retired in 1989. For more than 50 years, he was a member of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers. During World War II he served as a sergeant in the Army Air Corps, and was stationed in Okinawa as an airplane and engine mechanic. He was a 52 year member of Bedford Masonic Lodge # 320, Harrisburg Consistory and the Jaffa Temple, and the Bedford American Legion Post 0113. He attended Bedford United Methodist Church and will be remembered most for his avid gardening. He always tended a large garden so he could keep his friends supplied. His favorite activities included deer hunting, fishing and stocking trout in the spring.
Funeral Services: Monday, 11:00 AM in the Chapel at Timothy A. Berkebile Funeral Home in Bedford with Jim Miller officiating. Burial in Bedford Cemetery with military rites conducted by the Fort Bedford Honor Guard. Friends will be received on Sunday from 2-4 & 7-9 PM where a Masonic Service will be held at 8:00 PM.and also one hour prior to the service at the funeral home on Monday morning. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Bedford United Methodist Church, 132 E. John St., Bedford, PA 15522, or Shriners Childrens Hospital, Shriners International Headquarters, 2900 Rocky Point Dr., Tampa, FL 33607, in his memory. Our online guest book is available at www.berkebilefuneralhome.com