John J. Lord, age 90, of Marion, died peacefully Tuesday morning, January 26, 2016, at Marion Manor following an extended illness.
On December 1, 1925, John was born in Marion, Ohio, one of four children of the late Harry and Mabel (Pine) Lord.
Wanting to help his fellow countrymen, John left school early at the age of 17, to enlist in the U.S. Navy. He served as a motor machinist’s mate aboard ships in the Pacific Theatre near the Philippines during World War II.
Upon his honorable discharge, John returned home to Marion, to marry the love of his life, Rilla Zimmerman, on August 4, 1946. Together they shared 59 years of marriage, and lovingly raised six children. She preceded him in death on May 25, 2005.
For over 20 years, John enjoyed helping others as a sales representative with Western and Southern Life Insurance Company, retiring in 1988. Prior to W & S, he worked as an electrician at Pollock Steel and as a tv repairman at Sears Department Store. On the side, he also had his own tv repair business, which he ran out of the front room of his home.
A jack of all trades, John could do or fix anything he set his mind to. One of his favorite pastimes was putting together model airplanes. Other hobbies he enjoyed were fishing, painting, playing the piano and banjo and sewing over 200 book bags for a church mission project for one of his daughers. He also was a member of the VFW Post 7201.
A fun loving man, John was often too ornery for his own good. His children and their friends will forever remember him fondly as “Daddio”.
He will be by missed by six children: Earl (Susan) Lord, John (Nancy) Lord, Mariah (Henry)Sanchez, Rebecca (Donald) Hoagland, Debora Smith, and[1] Kathleen (Kenneth) Hilty; seven grandchildren: John Andrew Lord, Joseph Lord, Brett (Heather) Caserta, Laura (Stephen) McCartney, Kimberly (Paul) Smith, Penny (Brad) Cunningham, and James Clark; thirteen great-grandchildren: Nick and Nathan Caserta, Cody Hagen, Jacob Furniss, Jacob Smoot, Luke and Brooke Smith, Gage, Breena and Brittany McCartney, and Hallie, Josie and Katie Cunningham; two great great grandchildren Braxton and Aubree Potts; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Including his wife and parents, John was preceded in death by his son-in-law, William Smith; and three siblings: Dale and Norman Lord, and Carol Flesher.
His family will greet friends from 1 – 2:30 p.m. on Friday, January 29th, at the Denzer-Farison-Hottinger & Snyder Funeral Home, 360 E. Center St., Marion. Services honoring his life will follow at 2:30 p.m., with Pastor Tim McGuire officiating. Burial with military honors provided by the Marion County United Veterans Council will follow in Marion Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to OhioHealth Marion General Hospital Hospice, 278 Barks Rd. W., Marion, OH 43302.
Denzer-Farison-Hottinger & Snyder Funeral Home is honored to have been chosen to serve John’s family and your favorite memories and sympathies may be shared with them by visiting www.SnyderFuneralHomes.com.
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