John Baker Williman, Ph.D.

John Baker Williman, Ph. D, age 82, of Fairground Road, Lewisburg, died peacefully on June 14, 2019 at the Geisinger Medical Center, Danville.

He was born on December 19, 1936 at Christ Hospital, Jersey City, New Jersey to Alexander Baron and Veronica M. (Flahive) Williman.

John received his primary education at St. Joseph’s School in Roselle, N.J. and earned his diploma from Bishop England High School, Charleston, South Carolina. He earned his B. S. from the College of Charleston; his M.A. from the University of Alabama; and his Ph.D from St. Louis University.

His academic focus was on Modern Mexico and the Carribean. He taught in public colleges in West Virginia, Illinois and Pennsylvania.

John was a member of the Unitarian-Universalist Congregation of the Susquehanna Valley, Northumberland; Zion Lodge 81, F & AM, Trenton, North Carolina; and Irem Temple AAONMS, Dallas.

He served in the United States Navy from 1955 to 1958 with promotions up to Communications Technician First Class (E-6). His longest duty was at US NavCommStation, Kodiak, Alaska.

John had many varied interests including historical and genealogical research and writing, classical  music as a season ticket holder and sponsor of the Williamsport Symphony Orchestra, non-fiction reading, extensive travel and camping in North and South America as well as enjoying time with his family.

He is survived by his beloved wife and dearest friend, Patricia Ann (Hess) Williman whom he married on August 21, 1956; four children and their spouses: David Williman, Seaford, Va.; John M. Williman and his wife Phanee, Swoyersville; Yvonne I., wife of Tony Knight, Danville; Philip T. Williman, and his wife Marlo, Jupiter, Fla.; as well as five charming granddaughters: Zuri Knight, wife of Andrew Conrad, Holly Williman, Jennifer A. Williman, Melina Williman and Zina Knight, all successful young women in their chosen fields.

Private services will be held at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, please make any memorial donations to the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America, Attn. Lutheran Disaster Response, P. O. Box 1809, Merrifield, VA 22116-8009 (telephone: 800-638-3522), community.elca.org

Arrangements have  been entrusted to the care of the Roat-Kriner Funeral Home, 1133 Bloom Road, Danville.

Condolence messages and photographs may be posted at: www.krinerfuneralhomes.com