John Koons of Millfield, Ohio, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by family on January 19, 2025. He was born on August 7,1944 to Melvin & Irene (Rasp) Koons and grew up in Jacksonville. John was employed with Carborundum for many years and retired from the Ohio Department of Transportation. He was a proud Cardinal at J-T High School graduating in 1962. His fondest memories were playing on the football and basketball team.
He married Debbie Russell on January 27, 1974, and they had just celebrated their 50th Anniversary last year.
John always had a passion for singing and enjoyed all types of music. John, his brother Bill along with Bob Kestner, formed the band “Class of 62” and performed at festivals and other events all over Southeastern and Central Ohio. They especially enjoyed singing in nursing homes and loved seeing how much joy their performances brought to the residents. Their favorite place to perform was on Valentine’s Day at the Ross Heart Hospital celebrating folks who were heart transplant recipients. He also loved gardening and definitely had a green thumb.
John suffered a severe spinal cord injury from a fall when he was 25 and was paralyzed from the neck down for over 18 months. As a result, he was eventually confined to a wheelchair. However, this did not stop him from traveling to sing or gardening.
John was a former member of the Trimble Christian Church (DOC) and a current member of the Millfield Christian Church (DOC). He served as a deacon at both churches and was a member of the church choirs.
He is survived by his wife, Debbie (Russell) Koons, his daughters, Tara (Bill) Sayre and Beth (Shaun) Six, granddaughter, Jayne Irene Six, grandsons, Tyler Sayre and Matthew Sheridan, brother, Bill (Teresa) Koons, his beloved dog, Vic, sisters-in-law, Judy Koons and Phyllis Koons, nephews, Greg and Jeff Koons, Adam Cullimore and Josh Russell-Seitz, niece Becky Koons and multiple great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his in-laws, Kenneth & Marie Russell, brother, Greg Koons, sister-in-law, Rhonda Russell-Graham, nephew, Barry (Bearcat) Koons, and his paternal and maternal grandparents.
He was also an Ohio State Buckeyes’ fan and enjoyed watching the Browns and Reds play as well.
John’s daughters and grandchildren were the light of his life. He loved attending their activities. He enjoyed watching Beth play basketball and both girls perform in the Trimble High School band. He enjoyed watching Tyler and Jayne play basketball and even had a “special” spot in the hall at the end of the gym where he could sit in his wheelchair and watch the games. He was so proud that all of the grandchildren have either graduated from or are currently attending Ohio University.
Our family would like to thank Amedisys Hospice for the exceptional care they provided to John. They went above and beyond our expectations every single day for the last 20 months.
A celebration of John’s life will be held at the Millfield Christian Church (16100 Main St, Millfield) on Saturday, January 25th with Rev. Steve Bentley officiating. Calling hours will be 11:00-12:00 with the service beginning at 12:00. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations may be made to Amedisys Hospice (27855 State Route 7, Marietta, OH 45750) or the Hocking Valley Parish (P.O. Box 245, Chauncey, OH 45719). Arrangements have been entrusted to Morrison Funeral Chapel, Glouster-Bishopville. A message of comfort may be sent to the family by visiting the tribute wall at www.morrisonfc.com.
