John A. Warkala, 97, formerly of Lehighton, died Feb. 23, 2017, in Maple Shade Meadows, Nesquehoning.

He was the husband of the late Edna M. (Schuhler) Warkala, who died April 26, 2002.

Born in Swoyersville, he was a son of the late Charles and Anna (Bitchel) Warkala.

He served his country during World War II with the U.S. Army Air Corps, attaining the rank of sergeant while serving as a tail gunner aboard the B-24 heavy bomber.

He retired from the Pennsylvania State Police in 1977 after 37 years of service, mostly with Troop N and Troop M.

He was station commander of the Fogelsville, and Lehighton State Police barracks.

He also served Carbon County as a county detective for 10 years before his retirement.

He was a member of SS Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Lehighton, and the church’s Holy Name Society.

He kept memberships with Lehighton American Legion Post 314, the Pennsylvania Sheriffs Association and the Fraternal Order of Police, Schuylkill Carbon Lodge 13.

His favorite pastime was spent with his flower garden and his house plants.

Everyone knew dad on Friday and Saturday while he was visiting yard and garage sales in the local area.

He is survived by a son, Gregory Warkala and his wife, Lynn, of Lehighton; daughter, Anna Marie Garcia of Harrisburg; grandchildren Michael and Anthony Warkala, and Christopher Garcia; four great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by sisters, Mildred Miner and Anna Udinski; and brothers, Joseph, Charles, and Stanley Warkala.

He was the last and oldest survivor of his immediate family.

Memorial donations may be made to a charity of one’s choice .

Online condolences may be offered at ovsakfh.com.

Arrangements were made by Ovsak Funeral Home, Lehighton.