Jack Melvin Christner, 94, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend went home to meet his Savior and his wife Daryl in heaven on January 27, 2024 at the home of his daughter Judy Hoffman in Mount Vernon, Ohio. He will be missed by all who knew him.

Jack was born September 4, 1929 in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, as the only child of Melvin and Theora (Bauder) Christner. He grew up with his cousins: Don, Leatrice, and Evelyn Parkins. He attended the Johnstown Church of the Nazarene where he met his future wife, Daryl Bracken.

Jack and Daryl were married on May 25, 1949 in Frederick, Maryland. Their daughters, Judy and Donna, were born early in their marriage. When their daughters were young, he received a call to preach. The family moved to Allentown, Pennsylvania so Jack could attend Eastern Pilgrim College, from which he graduated in 1957. The family moved to Anita, Pennsylvania where Jack started the Anita Church of the Nazarene. He was ordained an elder in the Church of Nazarene in 1959. He would go on to pastor Nazarene churches in McKeesport, Brookville, Corry, and Bradford, Pennsylvania. He served on the Pittsburgh District Advisory Board and was treasurer of district missionary society. In July 1981, he left the pastorate to become a fulltime evangelist in the Church of the Nazarene.

In the summer of 1984, Jack and Daryl moved to Mount Vernon, Ohio to be closer to their daughters and granddaughters. They became members of the Mount Vernon First Church of the Nazarene where they became involved with the Prime Time Ministry and the Fidelis Sunday School class, which he taught for many years and regularly visited members in nursing homes. When he was not traveling as an evangelist, he worked as a Safety and Security Officer at Mount Vernon Nazarene University (MVNU). He was later asked to become Director of Safety and Security, which he did for 5 years. After he left MVNU, he served as chaplain of Hospice of Knox County. He also served as the interim pastor for Nazarene churches in Sunbury, Wadsworth, and Mount Vernon, Ohio.
Jack was an avid golfer, and played into his late 80’s. He loved to do Bible Word Finds, to play games with family, and to watch Mount Vernon Nazarene University basketball games. He prayed for his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, extended family, and the members of his Sunday School Class daily.

Jack’s wife Daryl passed away in March 2023. He is survived by his daughters Judy (Dennis) Hoffman and Donna (Dr. Bevin) Shiverdecker of Mount Vernon, OH; granddaughters Lisa (Dr. Charles) Lahmon of Madison, Alabama and Dr. Karla Adu of Mount Vernon, OH; great-grandchildren, Anna, Chloe, Daniel Lahmon (Laney Melton, fiancée), Bethany (Seth) Martin of Madison, AL, and Abigail Adu (Riley Stetler, fiancé) of Mount Vernon, OH. He is also survived by brothers-in-law Charles Diesroth and David Taylor; sister-in-law Juanita Miller; cousin Evelyn Haggerty; and many nieces and nephews and their families.

The Celebration of Life Service will be at Mount Vernon First Church of the Nazarene, 807 Coshocton Ave, on Friday, February 2 at 12 pm, with calling hours preceding at 11 am. Memorial contributions can be made to the Mount Vernon First Church of the Nazarene.

Memorial contributions may be made to: First Church of the Nazarene.

The Snyder Funeral Homes in Mount Vernon is honored to serve family of Jack Melvin Christner.

Website: www.snyderfuneralhomes.com