John A. Brumbaugh went to be with the Lord on May 18, 2023, due to complications of Alzheimer’s. He was born on May 3, 1935, in Buffalo, New York to Claude and Elsie Brumbaugh. John graduated from Hamburg High School in 1953. He graduated from Cedarville College in 1958. On May 31 of that same year, he married his high school sweetheart, Mary Gail Knisely. This year they would have celebrated their 65th anniversary.
John attended seminary for one year in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where their first child, Nancy, was born in 1959. He earned his PhD in Genetics from Iowa State University in 1963. During this time their second child, Sandra, was born in 1962. In 1964, John was hired to the faculty of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He taught Genetics and Microbiology. He also conducted research on genetics and skin diseases. Their son Kurt was born in 1970.
During their years in Lincoln, John and Mary Gail were active in their church. John enjoyed teaching adult Sunday School classes. He often taught about bio-ethics where he used his knowledge of the Bible with his scientific background.
While at the University of Nebraska, John partnered with Li-Cor Corp. of Lincoln. A project began with Lyle Middendorf, Li-Cor vice president for research and development, to develop a DNA sequencer. This was revolutionary at the time and later patented. Soon after, the DNA sequencer was manufactured and sold by Li-Cor.
His love for college students gave him the desire and opportunity to minister to students in Japan with Campus Crusade for Christ several times. He also traveled with his son-in-law to Ukraine in 2000 to minister to public school teachers with a program called International School Project.
Over the years, John and Mary Gail grew to love Colorado. John was especially drawn to the cool mountain air and the many days of sunshine. In 1995, they retired to Estes Park. There they enjoyed cross country skiing, snow shoeing, and hiking. John also spent many hours fly fishing in the various lakes and rivers in the Rocky Mountains. He loved the quiet stillness of these mornings. Their home became a favorite meeting place for family and friends. John became a great tour guide providing wildlife sightings of elk, moose, big horned sheep, and occasionally a bear. While there, they remained active in their church. John continued to serve in various leadership and teaching positions.
They lived in Estes Park for 25 years. In 2020 they relocated to Morgantown, to be close to their son, Kurt, and his family.
John is survived by his wife, Mary Gail, of Morgantown; brother, Jay and Rose Brumbaugh, of New York; brother-in-law Ralph and Elaine Knisely of Fla.; daughter, Nancy Brumbaugh of Lincoln; daughter, Sandy and Kirk Vance of Lincoln; son, Kurt and Michele Brumbaugh of Morgantown; six grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and nieces and nephews.
Psalm 27:1 “The Lord is my light and my salvation.”
In keeping with his wishes, cremation arrangements will be provided. Friends and family will be received at Hastings Funeral Home, 153 Spruce St., Morgantown, WV, at 5 p.m. on Thursday, May 25, until the time of the memorial service at 6 p.m., with Pastor Dana E. Wiles, Jr. officiating.
Condolences:
www.hastingsfuneralhome.com
