03/04/2026
John D. Estes
WILLIAMSPORT - John David Estes (Dave), passed away surrounded by his loving family, after a year-long illness. He is survived by his wife, Penny (Marquardt) Estes; son, Nathan Kulp (Dana Garner) and his three daughters, Erin Roush (Chip Roush), Elizabeth Estes (Chris Cline), and Erica Lopez (Coco Lopez). Also surviving are twelve grandchildren, Annalyssa (Levi Stover), Landen, Arielle (Aaron Cipriani), Levi, Madalynn, Andrew, Sofia, Abrielle, Antonio, Sergio, Lena, Lucia, and three great-grandchildren Everett, Arlo and Vera Lynn. Additionally, he is survived by a sister, Judy Hurst (Daryl Hurst) and many nieces and nephews.
David was born in Taylorville, IL and worked on the family farm until he went to college. David graduated from Southern Illinois University with a bachelor’s degree in business administration. Upon graduation he was drafted for the Vietnam War. David served his country while stationed in Korea for two years. Once the war concluded, David continued his career working for Liberty Mutual Insurance in Taylorville, relocating to the Williamsport, PA office in 1970. David often reflected with humor upon his journey “migrating from the flatlands of Illinois to the ‘metropolis’ of the Susquehanna Valley”. When he crested the look-out mountain (today’s I-15 N) and saw the lit up valley below, he thought he was descending into New York City.
David’s Liberty Mutual career, culminating as Production Manager, spanned over 35 years, during which time he made numerous friendships that have remained until today. His interests and hobbies included wood-working, singing (West Branch Chorale and various church choirs), music, theater, grandparenting, hot-air-ballooning, kayaking, camping, reading, card-playing, and vacationing. David was an adept and creative handyman. He built several life-sized Halloween dioramas, personalized toy boxes, and many wonderful home-improvement projects. He was adored for many things, not the least of which was his love for family, his intelligence, and a sharp relentless wit. He was the family patriarch and its guiding star.
John David/David/Dave/Davey/Davey Darlin’/Dad/Pap/Pappy/Papaw will live on in his many progeny and will forever be loved by those blessed to have known him.
A celebration of life will take place Sunday, April 5, 2026 from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Carriage House with Chef Hosch and Ann Catering, 414 Walnut Street, Williamsport PA, 17701.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Gatehouse, Susquehanna Health Foundation, 1001 Grampian Blvd., Williamsport, PA 17701-9961.
Arrangements are being handled by Maneval Allen Redmond Funeral Home, 500 W. 4th St., Williamsport.
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