G. Arthur "Art" Fairchild

G. Arthur Fairchild, age 85, of Chambersburg, PA, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Thursday, August 21, 2025, at the Chambersburg Hospital. Born on April 19, 1940, in Towanda, PA, he was the son of the late G. M. “Joe” and Helen Grace Smith Fairchild.

Art was a 1958 graduate of Towanda High School; he went on to earn his bachelor's degree in 1962 from Maryville College in Health and Physical Education and then his master’s degree from Indiana University of Indiana. Art taught and coached at Georgetown College in Kentucky and then on to Shippensburg University, where he had a 37-year career. He coached football and baseball. He had a highly successful career as the head baseball coach, where he is still nationally ranked among retired Division II coaches. He was involved with leading Fellowship of Christian Athletes and directed the summer baseball and softball camps that he cofounded with Hall of Famer, Nellie Fox. First and foremost, in his life was his faith and belief in Jesus Christ. Art was a member of King Street Church, where he sang in the choir and was involved in the Truth Seekers Sunday School class. He and his wife, Ritta, were active in the Presbyterian Reformed Ministries over the years. Art was known for his jovial outlook on life, his can-do attitude, and his love for people.

Surviving is his beautiful bride of almost 63 years, Ritta Beierle Fairchild; daughters, Sharon Yost (husband Mark) of Chambersburg, PA and Sheryl Tigchelaar (husband David) of Guelph, Ontario; grandchildren, Noah Yost of Chambersburg, PA, and Madison Yost of Indian Head, MD, Emily Frede (Trent), Jonathan Tigchelaar, both of Guelph, Ontario, Sarah Styers (Jeremy) of Shippensburg, PA, and Tyler Fairchild (Taylor) of Shippensburg, PA; six great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; sister, Kay Hamlin (Ray); sisters-in-law, Emma Neights, Nelly Peterson, Luise Beierle (Walter), Edie Arndt (Jon), and Annemarie Worth (Dwight); and two special cousins, Elaine Gustafsen and Kathy Kennedy. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Stephen Arthur Fairchild; grandson, Christian Arthur Carl Yost; and granddaughter, Cecilia Grace Yost.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, August 29, 2025, at 1 PM at King Street Church, 162 E. King St., Chambersburg, PA, where Rev. Ron Cook and Rev. Buck Summers will officiate. The family will receive friends two hours prior to the service at the above church and address. Interment will be in Parklawns Memorial Gardens. Memorial contributions may be made in Art’s name to Samaritan’s Purse, Jewish Voice Ministries, King Street Church, or the charity of your choice. Arrangements are entrusted to the Thomas L. Geisel Funeral Home, Inc., Chambersburg, PA. Online condolences may be offered on Art’s page at www.geiselfuneralhome.com.