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John Willis

John L. Willis, 73 of Richwood died Sunday morning, January 11, 2015 at his home surrounded by his loving family.  He was born December 30, 1941 in Richwood to the late Douglas and Maryellen (Marvin) Willis.  He was also preceded in death by a step-daughter, Shelby McClincy. On July 31, 1978 he married the former Doris I. Pacha in Burlington, Vermont and she survives. He was retired from both Clark Trucking and Ryan Logistics, and had worked for the Union County Engineer's Office.  Earlier in his life he had worked for his parents at the Claibourne Elevator and also at Whirlpool. A 1961 graduate of Richwood High School, John was a veteran of the U. S. Army serving during the Berlin Crisis.  He was a Past Commander of the VFW Post 870 and American Legion Post 40, both in Richwood and was active in both organizations, most notably with Memorial Day activities and serving with the funeral detail.  He was a 33rd degree mason and a member of Mt. Carmel #303 F&AM, Aladdin Shrine, AASR Valley of Columbus, Order of the Eastern Star, and Forty & Eight in Marysville. John was talented with woodworking and loved tinkering.  He enjoyed camping and fishing, especially at Indian Lake and Lake Erie.  He never knew a stranger and will be remembered for the sparkle in his eye and his ornery smile. Besides his wife he is survived by three sons, John L. Willis Jr., Holmesville; Michael (Joyce) Goins, Claibourne; Robert D. Willis, Claibourne; a daughter, Mandy (Jason) Swartz, Prospect; two sisters, Jean Redmon, Richwood; Linda (Jerry) Temple, Richwood; nine grandchildren, Caitlyn Laney; Heather Swartz; Jack, Hannah and Ally Jowers; Adam Wuescher; Logan, Madison and Ross McClincy; a brother-in-law, Robert Pacha, Richwood; a sister-in-law, Kathy (Alan) Fitzpatrick, Magnetic Springs; and nieces and nephews. Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, January 16, 2015 at 11:00 AM at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Marysville with Rev. David Poliafico officiating.  Burial will follow in Claibourne Cemetery.  Friends may call on Thursday from 4 to 7 PM at the Stofcheck-Ballinger Funeral Home, Richwood where rosary services and Masonic services will be conducted at 7:00 PM. Memorial gifts may be made to the Richwood VFW, 9 W. Blagrove Street, Richwood, OH  43344 or Loving Care Hospice, P. O. Box 613, Marysville, OH  43040. Condolences and remembrances may be expressed at www.stofcheck-ballinger.com Directions to Claibourne Cemetery Florist Login Feel free to post a remembrance on this person's birthday, anniversary of passing, holidays, or whenever feels appropriate.

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Condolences       to #1 from: bill Nibert johna nibert   Mon, Jan 12, 2015 at 1:22 PM Doris,Jean,Linda and children and family. So sorry to hear of John's passing. He fought a long and hard battle. I know he will truly be missed      Bill and Johna #2 from: Larry Richwood Mon, Jan 12, 2015 at 1:40 PM He was always fun to be around . we will miss you John. #3 from: Angela Phipps Mt Victory Mon, Jan 12, 2015 at 3:10 PM Doris and family so sorry for the loss of John as it said his ornery smile and laugh he was such a nice guy always liked talking with him...God be with you and give you the strength not only at this time but, the days and weeks ahead... #4 from: Karen Elaine Landon  Ft. Pierce, Fl. Mon, Jan 12, 2015 at 3:12 PM John Willis Family, Linda & Jerry,   May you find comfort in the many Special Memories of the one you loved so much. With Deepest Sympathy,Karen Elaine #5 from: Terry Lookabaugh Richwood Mon, Jan 12, 2015 at 4:16 PM Dear Willis family I am sorry to hear that John has past on. He will always be remebered to me as a person with a great personality and always willing to help. My wife and I send our condolences. #6 from: David Rankin Richwood Mon, Jan 12, 2015 at 4:25 PM My thoughts and prayers are with the family. I have many fond memories working with John at the county. Those were some good times. God Bless. #7 from: Cheryl Oehler Mon, Jan 12, 2015 at 4:47 PM Dear Doris and family, I was so sorry to read of John's passing. Please know all of you are in my thoughts and prayers. May he rest in peace. With sincere sympathy, Cheryl #8 from: Jim and Sandra Christy Piqua, OH Mon, Jan 12, 2015 at 5:38 PM Our thoughts and prayers to the family of John.  He was always such a pleasant fellow and our pleasure to know him. Jim and Sandra Christy #9 from: Rosalie Marvin Marion, Ohio Mon, Jan 12, 2015 at 5:40 PM You all are in my prayers, John put up a long fight.  God be with you all.   #10 from: Donnie and Kathie Pfister northfield ohio 44067 Mon, Jan 12, 2015 at 6:24 PM I was so sorry to hear of Johns passing. John was such a fun loving person who always had time to stop and talk no matter what he was doing. He will be missed by all. #11 from: Nancy Pacha & Virgil Hoffman Delaware, Oh. Mon, Jan 12, 2015 at 6:53 PM Doris & family Jean and Linda Jerry, Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers. John will be greatly missed by all who knew him .He was such a good guy and may God Bless you all at this difficult time. RIP John #12 from: Jerry & Peg Gray Weaver Marysville Mon, Jan 12, 2015 at 7:47 PM Linda and Jerry, I am so sorry to hear of the passing of John. I have fond memories of him when I stayed in Richwood the summer of 1958 and he would come down and pick me up on his scooter and take me for rides around town. I have great memories of a great guy. May God bless you and your families with His peace and comfort in the days and weeks too come. #13 from: Carol Ann Lookabaugh-Pitts Calgary, Alberta Mon, Jan 12, 2015 at 8:04 PM We're so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire family during this difficult time. #14 from: Abby Beaulieu (Davis) Florida Mon, Jan 12, 2015 at 8:17 PM Mike & family,  So sorry to hear of the passing of your father. My thoughts and prayers are with y'all as you go through this difficult time. Prayers for all. #15 from: Franklin Powers Caldwell, Ohio 43724 Mon, Jan 12, 2015 at 10:40 PM I consider John as one of my best friends in high school.  We played Tiger football together and laughed and joked around when we had the time. I am sorry for your loss.  He took high school classes to my Mother, Lucille Powers.  I will always remember him.   Frank #16 from: SanDee Tidd Richwood, Ohio Tue, Jan 13, 2015 at 9:17 AM John Willis family Claude & I are so sorry for your loss! Such a fun guy to be around & enjoy sharing stories of all subjects! Fishing! Work! Family! He always enjoyed friends! May God Bless you all with wonderful memories of John & his life! #17 from: Harry Marvin Mebane, NC Tue, Jan 13, 2015 at 12:30 PM John,my thoughts and prayers go with you and to your family. I still remember playing Monopoly for hours with you and Linda when we were young. I have fond memories of you and your family. #18 from: Cheryl and Tom Grimm Swanton Vermont Tue, Jan 13, 2015 at 1:01 PM Doris and family, We are so very sorry for your loss.  Tom really liked talking with John because he was a lot like Tom with his midwest lingo.  If you ever need to talk you know my number.  Wish we could be there but I wouldnt dare to drive it alone.  Our deepest sympathies. Love You, #19 from: Barbara Ransbottom-Quintana Phoenix, Az Tue, Jan 13, 2015 at 1:15 PM I will always have a very fond spot in my heart for John.  Many fond memories.  He was such a kind and caring person.  Wish I could have seen him one more time.  My prayers are with his family. #20 from: LARRY DAVS RICHWOOD Tue, Jan 13, 2015 at 4:26 PM So very sorry to hear of your loss.John was a good friend and I have many plesant memories. My prayers are with you. #21 from: Jani McBride Rankin   Tue, Jan 13, 2015 at 4:35 PM So sorry to hear about John.  He was a good friend of my family growing up. Have great memories of several of us teen- angers riding our Cushman Eagles around Richwood.  He will be missed by our community.  God Bless                              Virg and Jani Rankin #22 from: Gary Mannasmith Creston, ohio Tue, Jan 13, 2015 at 6:47 PM John, I am really glad I stopped to see you a few months ago. We had some laughs and remembered some events from years ago. You always were a great friend. I will miss you for now but hope we cross paths later on. #23 from: Rosann Barry Stickford Dublin, OH Tue, Jan 13, 2015 at 7:58 PM John was a great guy. I am so sorry for your loss. I am keeping all of you in my prayers. #24 from: Nana Miller Harrison Round Rock, TX Wed, Jan 14, 2015 at 8:35 AM Doris and family, May your memories hold you in love and grace during this time of loss. Deepest Sympathies, Nana #25 from: Sue Dilsaver Mann Petersburg, Mi Thu, Jan 15, 2015 at 11:17 AM Dear Linda & Jean...  John has always had a special spot in my heart.. he was my 1st high school love.. I saw him a few years back at Aunt Francis's funeral. I will never forget how respectful he was of her.  When we talked, he still had that endearing little grin of his.  He will be missed!  Ivan & I are sending our condolences and a couple hugs.  You are in our prayers.  Love, Ivan Foreman & Sue Mann #26 from: Amy (Clark) Hannah Mechanicsburg Ohio Thu, Jan 15, 2015 at 12:54 PM Doris John Mandy Michael and Bobby I am so sorry for the loss of John.  I remember him with always having a smile on his face.  He helped make a lot of great childhood memories for me and all the Claibourne kids.  It's been way to many years since I had spoken or seen any of you but have always had you all in my thoughts and you will forever be in my heart and prayers Love Amy Clark Hannah (Hilligan 2)

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