George E. VanRiper III
Rev. George E. VanRiper III, 88, of Washington, died Saturday, February 11, 2023, in his home.
He was born July 25, 1934, in Sunbury, a son of the late George E. Van Riper, Jr. and May Amy VanRiper.
Rev. VanRiper earned an Associate Degree in Theology from Easter Bible Institute and Zion Bible Institute.
He was a member of Trinity Bible Fellowship.
Rev. VanRiper retired as Pastor at “the Lighthouse”, where he had been the founder of the Bible school. His passion and calling in life was to help others, in whatever ways he could. He and Nadine spent a month in 1976 on a mission trip to India, helping those in need.
George started and co-hosted The Beam of Hope, which is a radio ministry and television show of prayer and praise, featuring southern and traditional gospel music as well as hymns of the Christian faith. He and his wife recorded over 20 gospel albums together.
A skilled craftsman, George was very accomplished at wood building, wood working, and cabinetry and furniture making. He also enjoyed gardening, golfing and sports, especially University of Pittsburgh, Penn State and Notre Dame sports.
On May 29, 1955, he married the love of his life, Reba “Nadine” Bennett, who survives.
Also surviving are two sons, Nevin G. VanRiper of Washington and Calvin “Scot” (Wendy L.) VanRiper of Washington; four sisters, Joyce (the late Donald) Long, Barbara (the late Bryan) Hollenbaugh, Cheryl (the late Chuck) Mitchell, and Holly (George) Garancosky; seven grandchildren, Celina (Nicole Fischer) VanRiper, Amanda (John) Bland, Calvin Scot (Sally) Van Riper II, Michael David (Marianne) VanRiper, Lindsay Paige VanRiper, Timothy Quinton VanRiper, Joshua Thomas (Lily) VanRiper; nine great-grandchildren, Mikiya, Navon, Gaige, Athena, Braedyn, Parker, Josie, Autumn and Solomon; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Deceased are a son, Craig LaRue VanRiper; and two siblings, Louise Botto, and William “Bill” VanRiper.
Friends and family are welcome from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., the time of service, Saturday, February 18, in Trinity Bible Fellowship, 1350 Park Avenue, Washington, with the Rev. Dr. Michael Roach officiating.
Arrangements are entrusted to William G. Neal Funeral Homes, Ltd., 925 Allison Avenue, Washington.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the family.
A guest book is available at www.NealFuneralHome.com.