The Honorable John P. Schrawder, 59, of 1005 Market St., died at his cabin in Loganton on Wednesday afternoon, Oct. 29, 2008.

A native of Lancaster, John was born Nov. 9, 1948, a son of Arlene Ruth (Cope) Schrawder of Miami, Fla., and the late Robert Schrawder. In 1997, he married the former Theresa Zamberlan, who survives.

John graduated from high school in Lancaster and served two tours with the Air Force in Vietnam.

He was the owner of John's Taxidermy Shop of Mifflinburg for 17 years.

John served as Union County deputy sheriff from 1987 to 1988, chief deputy sheriff from 1989 to 1997 and became Union County sheriff in 1998.

He was Lutheran.

John was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of Mifflinburg, Kratzer-Dull American Legion Post 182 of Lewisburg, MIA-POW Association, Hughesville, Veterans of Vietnam War Inc., Hughesville, was an honorary member of the Purple Heart Association, a member of the Pennsylvania Sheriffs Association, the Spectra Association (Air Force), was past president of the Pennsylvania Taxidermy Association, the Buffalo Valley Sportmen's Club and the Union County Sportmen's Club.

John helped in the organizing and raising of funds for the erection of the Purple Heart Monument on Market Street in Lewisburg.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing, ATV trail riding, was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed time with his dog, Maggie, and foster child, Drew Hollenbach, of Beavertown.
In addition to his wife and mother, he is survived by one daughter, Jodi Schrawder of Mifflinburg; three stepchildren, Frank Benfer and wife Aimee of Middleburg, Heather Stahl and husband Michael of Mifflinburg and David L. Benfer Jr. of Hartleton; one grandchild, Oakley Orndorf; six step grandchildren, Sage Benfer, Marcus Steinberg, Stephanie Steinberg, Alexandria Steinberg, Jade Benfer and Jessica Lynn Stahl; one sister, Carol Walton and husband Wayne of Miami; and numerous nieces and nephews

.

Memorial services with military honors will be announced later.

The family asks that donations be made to the John Schrawder Sheriff Fund, c/o First National Bank, 311 Market St., Lewisburg, PA 17837, to be used for three of John's favorite programs: Triad, Project Lifesaver and the Union County Sheriff's Department K-9 unit.

Funeral arrangements are by the John H. Shaw III Funeral Home, Market and Eighth streets, Lewisburg.