John passed away peacefully on September the 8^th at his home surrounded by family. He was born on July 6,1935 to Homer and Addie Sharp in Frazeysburg, Ohio. He grew up there with a full house of 5 siblings. When he was just a young teenager his father passed away suddenly. John went to work helping his mother provide for his family. That was just the beginning of him always being a provider for his family. He saw it as his lifelong mission.

He graduated from Frazeysburg High School in 1953. He married his high school love, Shirley Anne Watson on November 20, 1954. Together in the house he was raised in they had a family of four kids. John or Johny as he was often called, regularly worked two jobs to provide for his family, “they never wanted”. He lost Shirley in 1983.

He spent his work life in the military, 38 years with the Ohio National Guard where he retired in 1993 as a Chief Warrant Officer 4 the highest ranking non-commissioned officer available. Additionally, he ran the Ohio National Guard Maintenance shop which serviced all the military vehicles in Ohio. Among his family and friends he was known as “Mr. Fix it”. He had an uncanny ability to take something that wasn’t working and bring it back to life even if he had never seen it done. John loved a good project, fixing and building for his family right up to his passing.

In 1991, he found true love again, marrying Rebecca(Becky) Knisley. They were married December 1, 1991. Becky had two kids of her own, Shelli and Shane they quickly all became one big family. John and Becky loved to travel spending time in Ohio and Florida as well as traveling out West. But there true joy was there 10 grandkids, 28 great-grandkids and 3 great-great grandkids, attending countless events together. John was the perfect role model as a husband, father and grandfather. You never saw him that you didn’t get a hug and he told you how much he loved you.

He lived a life worth living and left us all with great memories. He will always be the leader of our family.

Surviving is a sister Phyliss Briggs, children Kristi (Rick Smoot), Brad (Vickie Sharp), Lisa (Steve Murray), Kim Hamilton, Shelli (Mike Murray) and 10 grandkids, Mike Mohler(Jenny), Melissa Schilling(Andy), Monica Cheeseman(Phil), Josh Sharp(Tiffany), Nicole Sceurman, Brian Murray(Deanna), Casey Murray, Mathew Hamilton(Ashley), Tyler Hamilton(Stacy), Travis Murray(Blake), 28 great grandkids and 3 great great grandkids.

He was preceded in death by siblings Evelyn Domer, Lou Sharp, Barb Kanavel, Dottie Williamson, and brother Phillip.

Also his wife Shirley, son Shane Knisley, son in law Jim Hamilton.

There will be no calling hours & a Celebration of Life will be scheduled at a later date.