Dr. Wesley Jennings Berkebile, 85, of New Wilmington, PA went home to be with the Lord on April 12, 2026. He passed away peacefully surrounded by his family.

“Now most of this is true…”

Wes was born January 13, 1941 at his family home in South Fork, PA, to parents Bertha and Lester Berkebile. News of his birth was delivered to relatives and neighbors by the milkman along with their daily milk order. He grew up playing ball with his nephew Rodger and causing other shenanigans with his nieces Donna and Peggy.

While attending California University of PA, he met the love of his life, Joanne Dull, on a blind date arranged by their friends Bob and Nancy Snavely. He went home that night and told his mother he would someday marry this woman.

After several years in South Fork, PA and completing a Masters degree in Administrative Education, they moved to Lewistown, PA, where Wes was an educator and, for eight years, pastored a church in Oriental, PA. They later moved their family to Meadville, PA where Wes was an assistant principal in Meadville and Cochranton schools. During this time he earned his doctoral degree in education from Penn State University. After retiring from education, he spent 14 years pastoring a church in Kittanning, PA. He cherished his work in the community and his role as a hospital chaplain. He retired from the church in 2014, and he and Joanne moved to New Wilmington, where he enjoyed gardening, hunting, and woodworking in his shop.

Wes will be remembered as a man of faith, who loved playing softball through the 2025 season, playing card games and spending time with his grandchildren. He also officiated for the PIAA for 99 seasons, earning him a gold watch.

He is survived by his wife Joanne (Dull) of almost 65 years, his children Jennifer LeClair (Garett) of Easton, PA, Joyce Camut (Steve) of Shippensburg, PA, John Berkebile (Michele) of Lancaster, OH, and James Berkebile (Shannon) of Campbell, OH; his grandchildren Austin LeClair (Roxanna Abbasi), Braylee LeClair (Jacob Roscoe), Sydney Camut (Bryce Schaeffer), Reesa Camut, Shaylan Camut, Emily Kinney and Van Berkebile; brother-in-law Kim Dull (Amy Salay) and several nieces and numerous cousins.

Wes was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Caroline Thomas (Woodrow) and brother Elmer Berkebile (Alice).

Friends will be received at Locust Grove Church of the Brethren, 1421 Clapboard Run Road, Johnstown, PA, Friday, April 24, 1:00-3:00 and 5:00-7:00 p.m., and Saturday, April 25 10:00-11:00 a.m. The funeral service will immediately follow calling hours Saturday, April 25 at 11:00 a.m., followed by a lunch in the fellowship hall. A private graveside service will be held for the family at Forest Lawn Memorial Park.

Arrangements are being handled by Stark Memorial Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Salem, OH. Visit www.starkmemorial.com to share memories and condolences with the family.

As an expression of sympathy, please consider memorial donations to The American Cancer Society.