John W. Nightingale Sr.

John W. Nightingale Sr., 95, of Medaryville, passed away peacefully on Sept. 19 in his home. 

Born on May 7, 1922, in Reynolds, to the late Edward and Ella (Snavelly) Nightingale, John proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy during World War II. John married his beloved wife Betty Banes on Aug. 30, 1948, in Michigan. 

John retired from NIPSCO after working more than 30 years as a lineman. He was a member of the Medaryville Assembly of God Church. 

John enjoyed playing guitar, singing and listening to gospel music. He also enjoyed tending to his chickens and feeding the squirrels. John was an ordained minister and also officiated weddings and funeral services. He loved ministering to others, and always made sure the neighborhood children had a way to church on Sundays. John also liked going to the senior center in Medaryville. He would even sometimes carry his guitar in to play and sing for everyone. John will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. 

John is survived by his children: Donna Hendershot, Sandra Baker, Isaac E. [Mona] Nightingale, Rosetta Nightingale and Sherrie Hauptli; as well as 16 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; six great-great-grandchildren; and one great-great-great-grandchild. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; loving wife Betty; son John W. “Sonny” Nightingale Jr.; and siblings: Ellen, Marion and Mae. 

A visitation for John was held on Saturday, Sept. 23, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Medaryville Assembly of God Church, 214 E. Boston St., Medaryville. A funeral service followed after the visitation beginning at 1 p.m. Pastor Tom Dewlen officiated. Burial followed in the White Post Cemetery with full military honors.

Visit www.frazierfuneralhome.net to view the online memorial.

(Pulaski County Journal — Sept. 27, 2017)