David Johns

David Johns III, 78, of Tamaqua, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 9, 2025, at St. Luke's Hospital & Health Network in Bethlehem, surrounded by his loving family.
Born in El Paso, Texas, on May 6, 1947, he was the son of the late Margaret Jean (Roberts) and David Johns, Jr. On May 18, 1974, David married the love of his life, Judith (Keller) Johns, in a beautiful ceremony at the Carmel Mission in Carmel, California. Their marriage of more than fifty years was filled with deep love, laughter, and unwavering devotion.
David earned his bachelor’s degree in business from California State University. He proudly served his country in the United States Navy for over six years during the Vietnam Era. Professionally, he worked as a credit manager for several companies, but he found the greatest fulfillment during his years at J.E. Morgan Knitting Mills.
A man of service and community, Dave served as both a member and President of the West Penn Lions Club. He was also a proud member of the American Legion and the Tamaqua Elks Lodge. Each year, he cherished returning to his childhood home in Las Cruces, New Mexico, where he remained active with the Remember Bataan Foundation.
Dave was a man of many talents and endless creativity. He loved woodworking, building model ships, gardening, and most of all, spending time with his family and grandchildren. To those who knew him best, he embodied a unique blend of Bob Vila’s craftsmanship, Hercules’s strength, MacGyver’s ingenuity, and Steve Martin’s humor—a truly exceptional man whose kindness and skill left an impression on everyone he met.
David is survived by his devoted wife, Judith; his daughter, Jennifer, wife of William Riegle, of Orwigsburg; and his son, Nathan Johns, husband of Stephanie (Gursky), of Tamaqua. He will be lovingly remembered by his grandchildren—Grant and Suzanne Johns, William and Kathryn Riegle—and by Christine Verdier of Mary D, who was as close to a daughter as one could be.
A Celebration of Life Service and Interment will be held at White Church (Christ UCC), 132 Church Road, Barnesville. Rush Township, on Monday, November 17, at 11:00 a.m. Family and friends are invited to call from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Tamaqua American Legion Post 173. 

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