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John L. Garvin, 102, answered God’s call Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2016, and is now reunited with Beula, his wife of 59 years and the mother of his eight children.
He also was preceded in death by a daughter, June; a daughter-in-law, Shirley Ann Garvin; and son-in-law, Ed Green.
It is a testament to him that even at 102, we are so sad to let him go, but we know his pain is gone and he was ready. His last wish fulfilled, he passed at home in the company of his two youngest daughters, his wife Ruth, her daughter, and the Holy Ghost waiting to guide him to his final rest.
A lifelong resident of Logan County, he graduated from Bellefontaine High School in 1931. He owned several successful businesses, including Garvin’s IGA in West Mansfield from 1950 to 1984, and was a substitute mailperson.
We now await family from across the country to arrive and bid him their final farewell. He is survived by his children, John R., Shirley E., James R. (Ron), Robert L. (Carmel), Philip D., Anita M. Green and Kathleen Garvin; daughter-in-law, Marilyn Garvin; 13 grandchildren and their spouses, all who truly doted on him; and 26 great-grandchildren; three stepchildren, Loren (Jane) Fogle, Denise (Jay) Lyle and Tom (Karen) Fogle; and seven stepgrandchildren. They brought great joy to his life and he was always excited for their visits, as were they to see their beloved “Big” or Great Grandpa. He left many wonderful memories of tractor rides on the farm, countless freezers of homemade ice cream, his uncanny ability to wear stripes and plaid and make it look good, an unending curiosity, quest for lifelong learning, his frugal wallet and generous heart.
He was legendary to his family and many others as he remained active in Lions Club, taught Sunday School at Calvary Baptist Church for many years, and was a volunteer fireman.
Calling is from 2 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 14, at the Mannasmith-Schnurrenberger Funeral Home, West Mansfield. Visitation is two hours prior to his service at noon Monday at Calvary Baptist Church, 1140 Rush Ave., Bellefontaine, where he attended for more than 80 years.
Memorial contributions may be made through Mannasmith Funeral Home to Calvary Baptist Church 20/20 project, Calvary Christian School, the American Cancer Society and the Alzheimer’s Association.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.mannasmithfuneralhome.com.