Charles Franklin John

We are saddened to announce the passing of Charles Franklin John.

Charles, or Frank as most knew him from childhood, was born and raised in Harmony Valley between Stone Creek and Newcomerstown. He was a proud 1948 graduate of Newcomerstown High School.

After graduating from high school, Charlie joined the United States Marine Corp, ultimately serving in the Korean War. After returning from Korea and being honorably discharged, Charlie took up truck driving as a profession, hauling steel and then later LTL Freight, working for both C.W. Transport and Bender Louden. For many years while still working, he continued to help his parents on their farm in Harmony Valley.

In 1963, he married Mary Jane Ridenour. They eventually bought a farm in Angel Valley just north of Stone Creek. In addition to driving truck, Charlie raised beef and hogs and maintained a 6,000 chicken poultry operation. Upon retirement from trucking, Charlie continued to actively raise beef and hogs until he was 90 years old.

He was a member of the VFW, Tuscarawas County Pork Producers, Tuscarawas County Beef Producers, and Tuscarawas County Farm Bureau. He was a member at both Zion Lutheran Church in Stone Creek and Emmanuel Lutheran Church in New Phila.

Charlie was an avid euchre player, enjoyed making his own wine, and loved animals, from the largest cattle to the smallest barn cats, and most recently, his dog Cisco.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Mary Jane (Ridenour), his parents, Sigel and Edith (Shaeffer) John, his siblings, Eugene, Ruth, June, Gordon, and May; and his grandson, Matthias Young. He is survived by his children, Victor and Amanda (Jerry Young); his granddaughter, Ella Young; and his sister Shirley McKnight.

The family extends heartfelt appreciation to the staff—especially his direct caregivers—at Otterbein Granville and Hospice of Central Ohio.

Please join us for a Memorial Service to be held on Saturday, March 28, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. with music beginning at 1:30 at First Moravian Church, 319 North Walnut Street, Dover Ohio. A time for fellowship and light refreshments will follow the service in the church fellowship hall.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to Hospice of Central Ohio.

**This obituary was lovingly written by Charlie's family.