Jack Bowden Sponsler

Jack B. Sponsler, 94, of Everett, passed away on Friday, March 26, 2021.

 

He was born Thursday, November 11, 1926, in Everett, a son of the late William B. Sponsler and Matilda “Tilly" (Eshelman) Sponsler.

 

On September 23, 1945, in St. Louis, Missouri, he married Miriam L. (Gochnour) Sponsler who passed away on Saturday, July 23, 2011.

 

Jack is survived by his children,

 

Karen L. (Sponsler) Smith and husband Ivan Smith, of Bedford and

Randy D. Sponsler, of Lancaster.

 

He is also survived by six grandchildren;

 

Eric Smith, of Mechanicsburg

Shannon Tegeler and husband Jim, of Bedford

Amber Sharp and husband Darren,

Miranda Stoltzfus and husband Daniel,

Rebecca Beatty and husband Chris,

and W. Chris Sponsler and wife Jackie, all of Lancaster

 

13 great-grandchildren and 5 great, great-grandchildren and many loving nieces, nephews, cousins and their families.

 

In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in passing by 2 sisters, Louise (Sponsler) Pyle and Gladys (Sponsler) Ferguson, and 3 brothers, Paul, Allen, and Clarence Sponsler.

 

Jack was a graduate of the Everett High School, Class of 1944. After graduation, he enlisted in the United States Air Force where he was assigned to the Far East Air Force Headquarters.

 

He served as a Chief Clerk of the Awards and Decorations Section in the Philippine Islands. After World War II, they moved the headquarters to Tokyo, Japan where he served until he was eligible for discharge in 1949.

 

Upon returning home, Jack worked for his family gas and oil business (W.B.Sponsler & Sons) for five years. Jack and his wife Miriam then purchased a 162-acre farm where he fulfilled his dream of owning and operating an auto racing facility, which he named South Penn Speedway.

 

In 1959, Jack got his real estate license and went to work for Percy G. Foor Real Estate. He owned many properties at the time including Jack’s Tire Service on West Main St., Everett and a laundromat in Bedford. In 1963, he got his brokers license to open his own real estate office to better serve his financial needs.

 

In 1970, Jack sold South Penn Speedway to Galen and Jane Whetstone, which they renamed it Everett Speedway. He continued in the real estate business for 52 years before retiring his license in 2011.

 

A memorial service will be held Saturday, April 10, 2021 at 3:00 pm in the chapel of Donelson Funeral Home with pastor Brian Swain officiating.

 

Friends may call at the funeral home on Saturday from 1:00 pm until the hour of service and share memories online at www.donelsonfuneralhome.com.

 

Full military honors will be conducted by the Everett Honor Guard.

 

Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Jack to the Museum of Speed, 261 Shangri Lane Bedford, PA 15522 or online at www.museumofspeedatbedford.com

 

Arrangements by Donelson Funeral Home LLC, Everett, PA.