Intelligencer Journal/Lancaster New Era

J. Clair Shenk

J. Clair Shenk, 93, formerly of Lancaster, died peacefully in his sleep Sunday, February 10, in his home in Sarasota, FL. He was a retired pastor with the Brethren in Christ Church. He served as the Associate Pastor of Lancaster BIC in the early '60s. In 1964, he started the Centerville BIC church where he served until 1970. In 1971, he answered the call to pastor Community Bible Chapel in Sarasota, Florida where he served until his retirement in 1986. He continued to worship at CBC until his passing. In the last year of his life, he began ­ministering to women in ­transition from prison at the Bradenton Transitonal Center.He is survived by his loving wife, Rebecca, of 71 years, his son, C. Richard Shenk married to Sharon, of Sarasota, FL, daughter, Joan, married to Marlin Kauffman, of Calhoun, GA, daughter, Dorothy, married to James Kenes, of North Port, FL, daughter, Mary, married to Larry Woomert, of Sarasota, FL, daughter, Brenda, married to Stanley Eash, of East Petersburg, PA, and daughter, Lori, married to Ed Arnold of Celebration, FL. Clair is also survived by two siblings, his sister, Mildred Herr and brother, Clarence Shenk, both of PA. Clair was blessed with 25 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren.The viewing will be held at Community Bible Chapel from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, February 16, with a service to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be sent to Community Bible Chapel, 4201 Bahia Vista St., Sarasota, FL 34232.