John Wayne "Jack" Master

             John Wayne “Jack” Master, 75, of Cranberry, Pennsylvania, died unexpectedly on Sunday, March 9, 2025. He was born July 3, 1949 to parents Paul and Emma Rose (Hastings) Master. He grew up in the Kossuth area roaming the hills and streams of Camp Coffman and working the oil fields with his Dad.

            Jack graduated from Keystone High School in 1967 and enlisted in the U.S. Naval Air Force in August of 1969. He was stationed in Norfolk, Virginia. He was deployed three times to Antarctica, stationed at McMurdo, Byrd, and South Pole stations as part of the Antarctic Support Activities, Detachment Charlie of Operation Deep Freeze and flew on one of the first Winfly. He was honorably discharged in August of 1973 and decided that he wanted to go into the oil business, following the footsteps of his grandfathers and father.

            Jack owned and operated the Master Lease beginning in 1976. He fought tirelessly for the rights of PA Independent Oil Producers and to keep the industry alive while honoring its heritage. He also worked as a logger with his brother for many years.

            Jack married the love of his life, the former Deborah Lynne Staab on May 27, 1972. He lived most of his life in Cranberry at the home he and Debbie built, raising their children and being a beloved “Beba” to their grandchildren. He was truly a “Jack of all trades” inventing and building his own machines, fixing nearly anything, and constantly constructing whatever was needed. Most of all, he enjoyed spending time hunting, fishing, trapping, camping, and canoeing with his beloved family and served as a patriarch of unwavering faith and determination to his family and community. His love for Jesus and appreciation for all He created shined through in everything Jack did.

            He is survived by his wife Debbie, children Clarisa Zacherl and husband Aaron, and Jon Nathaniel Master and wife Jenna; his grandchildren Brion Zacherl and wife Anna, Darian Rose Zacherl, Jon, Christopher, and Emma Master; sister-in-law Sara Master; brother-in-laws Gary Staab and Daniel Pendergrass; and many loved nieces and nephews.

            In addition to his parents, Jack was preceded in death by his sisters Judith Prevish Bills, Lorna Sue Beichner, Kathryn Master Pendergrass, Caroline Faye Master; brother Paul Douglas Master; brother-in-laws Walter “Gus” Beichner, Thomas Prevish, Keith Bills; two infant nieces Mary Rose Jaynes and Sara Elizabeth Jaynes; and nephew Jeremiah Staab.

            At Jack’s request there will be no service. The family would like to thank the first responders of the Seneca Volunteer Fire Department.  Memorial donations may be mailed to the Seneca V.F.D. at P.O. Box 272, Seneca, PA  16346.

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