John Robert Effinger

John Robert "Johnny" Effinger, age 78 of Elizabethtown, Kentucky, passed away on Monday, November 28, 2022. John (Johnny) Effinger spent the last two and half decades making Elizabethtown home with his wife of 56 years, Joyce. As the proprietor of Frank Otte Nursey and Garden Center of Elizabethtown for more than 20 years, he loved helping people beautify their surroundings. He was an active member of College Heights Church where he was the administrator for the Scholarship fund. And has been a member of Hardin County Water Board #2 for many years.

Prior to their move to Elizabethtown, the family resided in Pewee Valley where he was active in Crestwood United Methodist Church and Jaycees. He worked for Lose Bros Garden Center for 18 years and was also an agriculture vocational teacher. He served in the Army National Guard as well. He was known to create a turtle soup with friends for a festive party.

He grew up working his family's farm and was a member of 4-H. He raised and sold enough tomatoes to put himself (and Joyce part of the way) through college, graduating with a bachelor's degree in Horticulture from the University of Kentucky. A member of Alpha Gamma Rho (AGR) he was a class short of getting his master's degree. As one of the Class of 62 Eastern High School alumni, he enjoyed the many get togethers and reunions over the years.

His pride and joy was his family. In addition to spending time with them and friends, he loved tinkering around outside – cultivating vegetable gardens, going hunting or fishing, spending time with his beagles, watching the sunrises and sunsets, and observing butterflies and birds. He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Margaret (Dottie) and Robert Effinger, and his brother James (Jimmy).

John is survived by his loving wife, Joyce; son, Michael (Betsy), daughter, Saundra Kimberlain (Jon); his sister, Janie Faletti (Bob); and his grandchildren, Jayli, Maggie Jo, Evan and Lilia; and a host of relatives and friends.

Visitation will be 3 to 7pm on Tuesday, December 6, 2022 at Newcomer Cremations, Funerals and Receptions, East Louisville Chapel, 235 Juneau Drive, Louisville, Kentucky 40243 and also on Wednesday, December 7, 2022 from 9am until time of service at 11am at Crestwood United Methodist Church, 7214 Kavanaugh Rd, Crestwood, KY 40014. Burial will follow in Floydsburg Cemetery, Crestwood, Kentucky.

The family will also hold a celebration of life on Sunday, March 26, 2023 from 2pm to 5pm, at the Brown-Pusey house, 128 N Main, Elizabethtown, KY 42701. The family requests memorial donations be made to the Brown Pusey House Gardens, the College Heights Church Scholarship Fund, or the Larry & Carol Kimberlain Scholarship Fund.

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