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John was born August 22nd, 1935, in Beaver Falls, PA to John and Elizabeth Gumpf. The youngest of three boys. Growing up he helped tend the family farm. Following his graduation from Beaver Falls High School in 1954, he received a full ride scholarship to play football at Arizona State University. While there, he was part of the first undefeated team in school history going 10-0, finishing the season with a #12 AP poll ranking.
He served as a Tempe police officer prior to being commissioned in the U.S. Army. A proud veteran of the U.S. Army he served with distinction in two combat tours in the Vietnam War
He retired as a Lieutenant Colonel after 21 years of service in 1979.
Following his retirement from the Army, he worked as the Assistant Athletic Director for The University of Toledo. He was a past Potentate of the Zenobia Temple.
His big goal toward the end of his life was to be able to make it to 90 like the rest of those in his family. He was able to reach that milestone this past August. He was tough as nails; didn’t complain and had a strong silence about him. His kids would tell you he never raised his voice because all it took was that one distinct look from the Colonel, and you knew to straighten up and act accordingly. He was a father, husband, grandfather, friend and hero. He was loved by many and will be missed by all.
John passed on Wednesday, February 4th in Toledo, Ohio surrounded by his loved ones. He is survived in death by his wife Vivian Gumpf, the mother of his children Eleanor Gumpf. His children Mark (Cindi) Gumpf, SueEllen (Joseph) Hanson, Lynn (Jeff) Westfall, John (Heather) Gumpf, Brad (Angie) Gumpf, Kevin (Melisa) Gumpf and stepsons Doug (Candi) Nostrant and Brian (Holly) Nostrant.
Grandkids John (Stephanie) Gumpf, J. (Chelsey) Hanson, Adam (Amy) Gumpf, Annie Hanson, Jeff (Kelley) Campey, Chelsea Westfall, Shelby (Ben) Brown, Hannah Gumpf, Bennett (Keri) Westfall, Jacob Gumpf, Chaz Westfall, Joe Gumpf, Jarrett Cunningham, Josh (Mia) Gumpf, Ana Cunningham, Brock Gumpf, Tyler (Lily) Gumpf, Gavin Gumpf, Austin Cunningham, Caleb Gumpf, Ross Gumpf, Heather Gumpf, Hannah Gabor, Sarah Gabor, Jonah Gabor, Chloe Nostrant, David Nostrant, Avery Nostrant and Dylan Nostrant; great grandkids, Beatrice Gumpf, Oliver Hanson, McClane Gumpf, Skylar Gumpf, Jayden Gumpf, Riggs Gumpf, Isaac Brown, MJ Gumpf, Scarlet Gumpf and Cameron Campey, and several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents John and Elizabeth Gumpf and siblings Thomas, Herbert and Margaret Gumpf.
There will be no formal service; the family will be holding a celebration of life at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that donations be made in his honor to The Zenobia Shriners of Northwest Ohio. Condolences may be made online to the family at www.walkerfuneralhomes.com.
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