John Taylor Howsman Jr.

John Taylor Howsman Jr., 100, passed away peacefully Sunday, April 28, 2024 at his home with his family by his side. 

He was born June 15, 1923 in London, the son of the late John Taylor Howsman Sr. and Mary Marvel (Kulp) Howsman. 

John went through school at Fairfield High School and graduated from Loveland High School in 1941. After graduation, he proudly served his country from 1943 through 1946 in the United States Army during WWII. John was a member of the 128th AAA Heavy Artillery 90mm Gun Battalion, serving on the front lines of Normandy. 

Upon returning from his duties in the Army, John met the love of his life, Virginia Fetters, at Turner’s restaurant in Leesburg. He and his wife have been members of the Leesburg Trinity Church, formerly the Leesburg United Methodist Church, for over 80 years. 

He worked at Matson Chevrolet in Hillsboro for several years, Kibler Lumber in Wilmington, and he was the office manager for Suburban Propane for over 30 years. John was a member of the American Legion Post 568 in Leesburg, a lifetime member of the Hillsboro AmVets Post 61 and a lifetime member of the National World War II Memorial. He enjoyed collecting ink pens, fishing, traveling with his wife and family, and most recently he loved spending time with his family, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He will be deeply missed by everyone who knew him. 

John is survived by his wife of 75 years, Virginia Howsman, whom he married May 15, 1948; two children, Richard Wayne (JoAnn) Howsman of New Vienna and Lisa (Bill) Ross of Cincinnati; four grandchildren, Melody (Kyle) Bennett, Brad (Mandy) Howsman, Amberley Ross and Will (Clara) Ross; 13 great-grandchildren, Austin (Kenzie) Bennett, Makayla (Micah) Wright, Brooke Bennett, Titus Howsman, Gavin Howsman, Zach Howsman, Gage Howsman, Brody Howsman, Alex Howsman, Elise Howsman, Gracelynn Howsman, Brylan Ross and Zaiydan Ross; one great-great-granddaughter, Makinley Wright; a niece, Luanne Frysinger; a nephew, Mike Howsman; and many more nieces, nephews and friends. 

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by four brothers, Walter, Francis, Reynold and Roger Howsman. 

Visitation will be held Thursday, May 2, 2024 from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the Leesburg Trinity Church. Funeral services will follow visitation Thursday, May 2 at 1 p.m. at the church. Burial, with military honors presented by the Highland County Honor Guard, will take place following services in the Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Leesburg. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in John’s name to the Highland County Veterans Honor Guard, 1000 W. Main Street, Hillsboro, Ohio 45133. 

The Turner Funeral Home is serving the family. To leave the family an online condolence, please visit www.turnerfuneralhomes.cc.