Obituary of John S. McMaster

John S. "Jack" McMaster, 80, of 25 Case Avenue, Lakewood, passed away at home after a courageous four year battle with pancreatic cancer. He was born June 6, 1933 in Celoron, a son of the late Harry T. and Nettie Barclay McMaster. He graduated from Celoron High School, where he excelled in football and basketball. He served in the US Army during the Korean War. He was employed by the former Art Metal where he learned the welding trade. Later, he worked for S. M. Flickinger and as a welder for several area manufacturing plants. He was a school bus drive for Southwestern Central School for 31 years, retiring in 1990. He served as president of the non-teaching union and faithfully followed Southwestern's wrestling program for many years. During the 1950s he played and managed several unbeaten city and county basketball teams. While living in Celoron, he served on the zoning board, was a trustee for the village and was a former member of the Celoron Fire Department. He was a current member of Lakewood Memorial Post #1286 American Legion. Jack enjoyed roller skating, camping, traveling, restoring antique cars and spending many winters in Bradenton, FL. He attended Kiantone Congregational Church. Surviving are a daughter Sharon (Thomas) Drennen of Warren, PA; two sons Daniel (Roxanne) McMaster of Syracuse, NY and Mark (Michelle) McMaster of Buffalo; grandchildren Kate (Adam) DeStefano of Syracuse, Sara (Nate) Brodt and Bethany Thomas, both of Tulsa, OK and Rachel (fiancé Jay Manley) Drennen of Baltimore, MD; five great grandchildren all of Tulsa; a sister Betty Hendrickson of Jamestown; his longtime companion Carol Williams with whom he made his home and a niece Peggy (Paul) Eimers of Bemus Point to who he was especially close. Also surviving are special people Eric and Julie Livengood and family and Dana and Barb Williams and family. Besides his parents he was preceded in death by brothers Herbert, Harry Jr. and Earl McMaster; sisters Grace Tenharken and Myrtle Howell and granddaughter Jessica McMaster. The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Monday in the Lind Funeral Home. Rev. Melvin McGinnis will officiate. Burial will be in Fluvanna Cemetery. Friends will be received from 1 - 4 p.m. Sunday in the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Hospice Chautauqua County, 20 W. Fairmount Avenue, Lakewood, NY 14750 or Kiantone Congregational Church, 646 Kiantone Road, Jamestown, NY 14701. You may light a candle in remembrance of Jack at www.lindfuneralhome.com.