Martin H. Lorah

Martin H. Lorah, 78, of Chambersburg, PA, passed away on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at Laurel Lakes Rehabilitation and Wellness Center in Chambersburg, PA.

He was born on January 16, 1948, in Reading, PA to the late Herman and Florence (Hauck) Lorah. Martin grew up on a farm in Denver, PA, with his twin sister, Marlene. We really enjoyed the benefits and closeness of being twins. Martin graduated from Cocalico High School in 1966. He graduated from Elizabethtown College with a Masters degree in music. He could play most any instrument,and had a compelling voice. He sang in many choirs, including “The Town Singers” of Chambersburg. He was also a soloist at many church related events.

Martin’s strong set of values led him to serve and grow in leadership to Worshipful Master, the highest level of achievement, in his local Masonic lodge. He was the Worthy Patron for his wife’s Eastern Star Order, and together he and Jayne devoted many years of service.

His call to ministry eventually led him to serve in the United Methodist Church.Throughout his life, Martin was charged with several congregations across Pennsylvania; some of those being Airville, Wrightsville, Thompsontown, Scotland, and Mapleton Depot. Many of them held responsibility for two or three churches, so Martin became quite accomplished at mediation and patience. He was also known for his ministry to the elderly. Above all, though, his unique sense of humor helped him ease uncomfortable situations and made him truly fun to be around.

Prior to becoming a Pastor, he was employed by Reeves electronics and served as the Choir Director at Calvary United Methodist Church in Fayetteville, PA for many years.

In his leisure time, Martin enjoyed collecting and setting up model trains, He also ‘crashed” or had several radio control helicopters fly away. There was a small collection of the larger size match box cars from his childhood. He and his wife Jayne really enjoyed going to plays, musicals, and concerts.

Martin is survived by his son Christopher Lorah (Robin) of Gettysburg, PA and their children Kylee, Paxton, and Shelby; stepdaughter Bethany Hoosier (Michael) of Clear Spring, MD and their children Loudon (Sydney); Abigail (Jared) and their children Olivia, Eleanor, and Finn; Twin sister Marlene Engle (Dennis) of Enola, PA and their children Jandrea Chau and her son Haidan; Marie Bagin (Chris) and their children Emma, Leah, James, and Patrick; Mark Engle (Lauren) and their daughter Madison; and many cousins. Martin’s love of family brought him much joy.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife, Jayne S. Lorah.

Graveside services will be private. A Memorial service will be held at Tree of Life Lutheran Church, 1492 Linglestown Rd,, Harrisburg, PA on Saturday, June 13, 2026 at 11:00am. A reception will follow. The service can be viewed online live or later at https://www.youtube.com/@TreeofLifeLutheranChurch/streams

Condolences and memories may be shared at geiselfuneralhome.com