John Stewart Schalip, 76, of Sunbury, Ohio, passed from the arms of his devoted wife, Kathleen, at their home into the arms of Jesus at 5:45 a.m., May 29, 2010.
He was born on May 16, 1934 to Francis C. and Pauline M. (Booth) Schalip in Galion, Ohio. John was raised in Galion with his sister Marcella (Jim) Smithers. The family spent many years on the farm on the New Winchester Road as well as in their family home on Walker Street.
John graduated from Galion High School in 1952 and received his university degree from Capital University in 1966. During his high school years, he energetically participated in the various bands and loved playing football. Since his high school graduation, John has been one of the active planners for all of their class reunions. He was busily planning the most recent one, held in the middle of May, but was unable to attend.
On July 17, 1955, John married the love of his life, whom he met on a blind date, Kathleen Belle Dickerhoff, in Galion. They celebrated their 50th anniversary with the renewing of their marriage vows in 2005. Together they raised two daughters, Cindy (Mark) Manning of Granville, Ohio and Caren Arnold of Columbus, Ohio. They sadly released their infant son, Carl Schalip, into the loving arms of their Savior, Jesus Christ on April 11, 1961.
John proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corp. during peace time. He was honorably discharged with the rank of Sergeant E4. Upon his discharge, John worked at the North Electric Company in Galion. While attending Capital University, John worked at Engel’s Florist in Columbus. Upon his graduation from Capital, his life’s career was with the State of Ohio in the Division of Forestry and Reclamation, Division of Oil and Gas, Division of Soil and Water, and Division of Wildlife.
John and Kathy have been graced with grandchildren, Christina Lynn (Doug) Elliott, of Grove City, Ohio, Christopher (Sara) Manning currently, serving in Afghanistan, and Brian Manning, who will graduate in June from Ohio University, Athens, Ohio. They are also great-grandparents to Brooke and Maverick Manning. Recently before Christopher was deployed to Afghanistan, John and Kathy made a trip to Clarksville, Tennessee, to visit with Christopher, Sara, and great-grandson Maverick. He also enjoyed a trip to Ft. Riley, Kansas, to visit with his great-granddaughter, Brooke.
John was proud to be a charter member of Living Word Evangelical Lutheran Church, Galena, Ohio, where he served as an Elder, Congregational Secretary, usher, greeter, and prepared the communion elements every Sunday with Kathy. He enjoyed getting together with the Monday morning Bible Study group and the Friday morning Retired Men’s group. John attended Bible Studies on a regular basis as he continued to build his relationship with God. He faithfully sang in the church choir when he was able although he claimed he had no singing skills whatsoever.
Along with his church activities, John was very involved in Via de Cristo-a Christian Renewal Ministry, Faith Mission, and the Council for Older Adults of Delaware County.
Above and beyond John’s special interests, John was fastidious about the care of his Sunbury home and yard. He had a deep admiration for nature and was an extensive reader. He was dedicated to serving the Lord through his church and all its various functions. John was continually busy-always doing something until his sickness would not allow him to do so.
In addition to his family, John leaves behind many, many special friends and colleagues.
Friends may call Tuesday from 5- 8 p.m. at the Devore-Snyder Funeral Home, SR 3 at 61, Sunbury. According to John’s wishes, he chose cremation. A memorial service will be held 3 p.m. on Sunday June 6, 2010 at Living Word Evangelical Lutheran Church, 7539 Dustin Rd. (off State Route 3), Galena, Ohio. Inurnment will be at a later date in the Iberia Cemetery in Iberia, Ohio.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Living Word Lutheran Church with a designation to the Memorial Fund, the Building Fund, or the Pavilion Fund.
Condolences may be expressed at www.snyderfuneralhomes.com