John E. Dearwester

John E. Dearwester, 93, of Bellefontaine, Ohio passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at Logan Acres Care Center after a fall he had on May 22, 2026. He was born on September 28, 1932, at home in Lewistown, Ohio, to the late John E. Dearwester, Sr. and Naomi O. (Curl). He is also preceded in death by his son, Douglas B. Dearwester; great-granddaughter, Iris Dinovo; and brothers: Harry and James Dearwester.

He married the former Mary Sue Plank on July 26, 1959, in Quincy, Ohio and she survives in Bellefontaine. He is also survived by his daughter, Sheila (Doug) Rutherford; granddaughter, Alicia (Justin) Dinovo; step-grandson, Dustin Rutherford; great grandchildren: Keaton and Mayah Dinovo; siblings: Ida Frederick, Frances Thatcher, Lucy Whitehead, William “Willie” Dearwester, Paul Dearwester, and Homer (Mary) Dearwester; special family: Kim (Don) Houchin; special grandchildren: Brendan and Derrek Bolt; and special great grandchildren: Annabelle and Braden Bolt; and many nieces and nephews.

John worked at Siemens in Bellefontaine for 30+ years before retiring. He was a longtime member of the Herold Kerr American Legion Post #173, Bellefontaine Elks Lodge, and the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Bellefontaine. He enjoyed the outdoors – camping, fishing, and traveling with Sue. They traveled all over the country - one of their most memorable trips was their 40th anniversary trip to Alaska.

John was a proud United States Army Veteran. When he was 16 years old, he forged his date of birth on his birth certificate to serve in the Korean War, following in his brother Jim’s footsteps. He was an avid sports fan – cheering on the Ohio State Buckeyes, Cleveland Browns, Cincinnati Reds and Cleveland Guardians. In his free time, he enjoyed playing solitaire and putting puzzles together.

Pastor Greg Menssen will officiate a memorial service at 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at the Eichholtz & Daring Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 321 N Main Street, Bellefontaine, Ohio 43311. Visitation will be two hours prior from 10:00 to 12:00 at the funeral home. Casual attire is requested. A private inurnment will be held at Huber Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made in John’s memory to the Logan County Cancer Society c/o Mary Rutan Foundations, 205 Palmer Avenue, Bellefontaine, Ohio 43311.

EICHHOLTZ & DARING FUNERAL HOME, & CREMATION CENTER, BELLEFONTAINE, is honored to serve the ­­­Dearwester family and encourages anyone to share a fond memory or message of condolence at www.eichholtzdaring.com 

HJR