Dr. John E. Dewhurst

My father Dr John Elton Dewhurst died at the age of 74 on March 9th, 2024. He loved winter, the Buffalo Bills, chemistry, science fiction and music. He probably played more instruments than you even knew existed. If you have ever read his "rate my professor" online profile you would have read comments on how the students complained his class was too hard and Dr Dewhurst's response was “but organic chemistry is so easy.” He had a quick wit, sarcastic tone and a soft heart. He was smart. Way smarter than me - I always prefaced any conversation involving my dad by saying his brains definitely skipped a generation. (And I wasn't wrong - his grandchildren Jonas Jude and Moses Elton are both science, mathematics and musically inclined). My late mother Jude Dewhurst kept up with him, however. The pair could be found at weekly bridge club, growing a wild herb and vegetable garden in the backyard, cooking gourmet meals and debating some science stuff I didn't understand - she was also a chemist. Friends called him Dr. Dew. He wrote hundreds of songs, received his PhD, and worked at Air Products. In his lifetime he published over 30 patents in chemistry including our favorite one for the Pontiac Fiero car - he swears he had nothing to do with how it notoriously caught on fire. My father was on the worship team at church, loved sunny side up eggs with toast and raised me single handedly after the love of his life died in 1994. He will be missed greatly. His bright blue eyes and big laugh were unmatched. He is survived by me his daughter Alison Conklin, my husband Geoff who always loved talking football with him, his grandsons and his best friend Russ Rentler. John was also an organ donor because the selfless act saved me about a year ago with the gift of life and a new heart. In lieu of flowers please make donations to Community Music School so that students can learn to play music. Schantz Funeral Home, P.C., Emmaus is handling arrangements.