Avery Zook

Avery Walter Zook of Chambersburg died Friday, November 17, 2023, at Brookview at Menno Haven. Born September 28, 1934, on the family farm in Lurgan Township, he was the second of four children born to Velva Elizabeth (Oberholser) and Harvey Jacob Zook.

A 1952 graduate of Chambersburg High School, he attended Goshen College (Indiana), then returned to Franklin County and graduated from Shippensburg State College in 1958. He married Eunice Irene Deardorff the day after graduating and they immediately left to complete I-W service, teaching at Freeman Academy and Junior College (South Dakota).

Following I-W service he taught science in Chambersburg schools, primarily at Central Junior
High School, from 1960 until his retirement in 1996. He served a term as president of the Chambersburg Area Education Association, and he earned his master's degree in education from Shippensburg State College in 1968.

Living much of his adult life in Culbertson, he had an active interest in local history, genealogy, and Brethren in Christ and Anabaptist history. He was an active member of Air Hill Brethren in Christ Church where he had served as treasurer, deacon, and as a member of the church board. He and Eunice moved to Menno Village in 2014.

He is survived by his wife, Eunice; son, Avery II (Pam) of Doylestown, Ohio, daughter, Susan Felix (Bob) of Dillsburg; grandchildren, Derek Zook, Kara Alexandra, Molly Zook, and Neil Zook; brothers, Harvey (Carol) and Wayne (Beverly); and nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Grace Barnick (Ronald).

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Wednesday, November 22, 2023, at 11 AM at Air Hill Brethren in Christ Church, 7041 Cumberland Highway, Chambersburg, PA 17202, where Rev. John Melhorn will officiate. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church. Inurnment will be held in Air Hill Cemetery on Wednesday, November 22, 2023 at 9:30 AM.

Memorial contributions may be made to Menno Haven Benevolent Fund, 2075 Scotland Avenue, Chambersburg, PA 17201 or Brethren in Christ Historical Society, One University Avenue #3002, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055.