John A. Rathbone

The Reverend John A. Rathbone of Washington, went home to be with his Lord on March 15,2003 following a recent illness. He was born in Washington on September 9, 1924 the son of Glennwood and LuLu May Rathbone. In August, 1948 he married Edith E. Atcheson who died in February, 1997. Rev. Rathbone attended Washington Area Schools and the University of Pittsburgh. Prior to being called full time into the ministry, he worked as Staff Supervisor in Operations at West Penn Power Company for 38 years. The Reverand Rathbone founded the Trinity Bible Fellowship on Park Avenue, Washington in 1980 and completed a building program in 1985. He was ordained into the ministry by The Independent Assembly of God. Reverend Rathbone served in World War II with the 501st AA Battalion in the South Pacific and later served in the Air Force Reserves. He was a member of American Legion Post # 639, Claysville. He had served for five years on the South Strabane Township Zoning Commission, as Chairman of the Christian Business Men’s Committee International, and President of Washington City Mission, President of the International Business Management Club of Washington. Reverend Rathbone produced his own teaching television and radio show called The Open Book. He also taught an interdenominational Bible class for 30 years. He was the area Chairman for the Billy Graham Crusade and had been a speaker in many Tri-State Area Churches. Surviving Pastor John are three sons, John J. Rathbone of Ellijay, Georgia, Robert L. Kimmins of Arlington, Virginia and Harold J. Kimmins of Coraopolis; and five grandchildren. Preceding him in death was a brother, Robert G. Rathbone. Friends of Reverend John A. Rathbone will be received on Monday and Tuesday from 2-4 and 7-9 PM in the William G. Neal Funeral Homes, Ltd., 925 Allison Avenue, Washington and on Wednesday , March 19 from 12-1 PM the time of services in the Trinity Bible Fellowship, 1350 Park Avenue, Washington. Entombment will follow in The Serenity Mausoleum, Washington Cemetery.