John R. Handley, 83, of Woodbridge Va., passed away Monday, March 1, 2021, at The Envoy of Woodbridge, where he had resided several years.
He was the son of Francis and Laura Teach Handley, born in Springfield, Ohio, Sept. 6, 1937.
John graduated from Bellefontaine High School in 1955 and entered the U.S. Air Force. Following that affiliation, he entered the U.S. Army in 1963 and retired as a MSG E8, after 30 years. He served in Vietnam and was awarded the Bronze Star. He spent several years in Germany before returning to the states and was stationed in Virginia until retirement.
Preceding him in death were his parents, his sister Jacqueline Handley Barrett, first wife Mary Laird, brothers-in-law Eddie Barrett, Jerry Besett, Dean Ransbottom and Paul Packer, nieces Christine Kay Stephenson and Debbie Handley, and a great-great nephew Zachary Coggins.
He leaves behind to cherish his memory, his wife Karin Waldhaus, whom he married May 15, 1974, sisters Fran Besett of Bellefontaine, Flo Jean Packer of Springfield and Judy (Tom) Oldiges of Minster, daughters Sherrie Lynn Handley of Tulsa, Okla., Angelika Handley (Stefan) of Koln, Germany, Erika Handley of Lawrenceville, Ga., Michael Handley (Julia) and their mother Freida Nagel of Kerpen, Germany, Patrick Handley and Sabine Handley (Eddie Moreira) of Woodbridge, 14 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, special cousin Earline Oset of Townsend, Mont., nieces and nephews Vicki (Jeff) Shafer of Florida, Bob (Tammy) Newland of Sidney, Jeff Newland of Russells Point, his namesake John (Trisha) Newland of West Mansfield, Lynda (Chris) Coraluzzi of New Jersey, Kathy Packer, Paul Packer, Terry (Karen) Packer and Nancy (Ted) Musicano all of Springfield, Diane Henry of Kentucky, Ed (Anne) Means and Nancy (Scott) Thomas of Marysville, Ed Barrett of Enon and other special family members.
John was an exceptional bowler and in his career earned 9 of the cherished 300 rings.
He was awarded medals and ribbons while in the Army. Nat’l Defense Service, Vietnam, Overseas ribbon, Meritorious service, Army Achievement, NCO Professional Development ribbon, Army Good Conduct, Army Service ribbon, Vietnam Counter Offensive Gallantry w/ Palm/Republic of Vietnam Campaign, German Army Markman Badge/Bronze, Overseas Service Bars.
Services will be held at Mount Castle Funeral Home in Woodbridge with burial at Quantico Cemetery with full military honors.