BELLVILLE ~ What goes around, comes around, and with such a playful personality John Van Horn was constantly teasing those he loved. His sense of humor led him to poke you, just to see your reaction. He was a little too jumpy, because when he got a taste of his own medicine, he’d let out a short yelp…and you knew you’d paid him back.

          John passed away Thursday morning October 29, 2009 from Hospice of North Central Ohio in Ashland. He was 78.

Born November 10, 1930 in Barnesville, he was the second son of George Herman and Frances (Carpenter) Van Horn and moved to this area as a young boy. He was graduated from Chester Franklin High School in 1948, and spent three years serving with the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. Stationed in Germany, England and South Africa, he was trained as a senior aircraft mechanic, and was honorably discharged as staff sergeant.

          Home from the service, while he was attending a square dance in Johnsville, he met Donna L. Oyster, and they were married July 19, 1954 in the Church of Christ parsonage in Bellville.

          Blessed with a strong work ethic, John worked 36 ½ years with the General Motors plant in Ontario, retiring as a welder maintenance man. Whether at work or at home, John was always busy. He could fix anything, and loved to be outdoors ~ gardening or camping, fishing or hunting.

          He enjoyed carpentry and woodworking, and worked to keep his cars in “showroom condition.”

          He was a member of Palmyra Church of Christ, and a former member of New Life Church of Christ in Bellville, where he had served the congregation as deacon, trustee and Sunday school teacher.

          He is survived by his wife Donna (Oyster) Van Horn; his daughter and son-in-law Connie & Carroll Roberts of Fredericktown; sons and daughters-in-law Michael & Shirley Van Horn of Linwood, MI, and James & Denise Van Horn of West Salem; seven grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren; his brother and sister-in-law Kenny & Lois Van Horn of Johnsville; sisters and brothers-in-law Jane & Jim Plogher of Chesterville and Pat & Eddie Carpenter of Bellville; sisters-in-law Norma Van Horn of Fredericktown, Sherrie Van Horn of Mt. Gilead and Lillian Van Horn of Cardington; numerous nieces and nephews.

          In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a great grandson Randy Gordon, Jr., and brothers Ed, Gene and Tom Van Horn.

          The Van Horn family will receive friends Sunday, November 1, 2009 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. in the Bellville Snyder Funeral Home. The graveside funeral service, led by Evangelist Troy Northrop, will be held Monday at 11 a.m. in Bellville Cemetery, where American Legion Post #535 will hold military honors.

          Memorial contributions to Hospice of North Central Ohio, or Jefferson Township-Bellville Rescue Squad may be made at the funeral home.

          Condolences may be made to the Van Horn family online by visiting: http://www.snyderfuneralhomes.com