John Franklin Faris
John Franklin Faris, 88, of Washington Court House, formerly of Hillsboro, passed away Friday, April 12, 2024, at the Mount Carmel Hospital in Grove City, with his family by his side.
He was born Sept. 1, 1935 in Hillsboro, the son of the late Willard D. Faris and Ruth B. (Lewis) Faris.
Mr. Faris grew up in Hillsboro, and he always enjoyed telling stories of his early work experiences. During the summers, as a kid, he would round up several of his friends and work on local farms for spending money. He also enjoyed traveling to Tucson, Ariz. to visit his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Stillwell, and discovering their connection to the “Wild West.”
John was a 1953 graduate of Hillsboro High School, and soon after he married the love of his life, Rita Scott, on Nov. 13, 1955. He proudly served his country in the United States Navy from 1955 through 1962. He was stationed in Oklahoma, Virginia and Florida. During his service, he was an aerial photographer with top clearance status. He was a member of the Fleet Fast Pitch Softball team, which won most of the tournaments they played.
After his duties in the Navy, John and Rita returned to Ohio, and he began working for Fairley Hardware in Hillsboro and Washington C.H. and Dunhill’s Clothing. He began his insurance career with Western & Southern Life Insurance Company, working in Wilmington and moving to Washington C.H. Mr. Faris joined Nationwide Insurance in 1969 and continued to work until his recent hospitalization.
John spent years coaching baseball. He enjoyed training the youth with skills to improve not only in sports but also in life. He also coached men’s, women’s and also co-ed softball teams. He was the president of the Fayette County Church Softball League for over 20 years, and he was still playing until he turned 70.
Mr. Faris was a member of the South Side Church of Christ, the Fayette County Farm Bureau, the National Rifle Association and the Buckeye State Sheriff’s Association. He was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying the hunt of small game and trapping as a young man, and into his later years, he enjoyed deer and turkey hunting. Mr. Faris touched the hearts and lives of many, and he will truly be missed. The Faris family would like to extend a thank-you to the caregivers at Mount Carmel in Grove City for their care and compassion in taking care of John.
Mr. Faris was survived by his wife, Rita Scott Faris of Washington C.H.; two children, Dean (Barb) Faris of Washington C.H. and Diane (Dennis) Munro of Washington C.H.; four grandchildren, Derek (Serena) Faris of Washington C.H., Devin (Mychal) Turner of Grove City, Christopher (Whitney) Brown of Yellow Springs and Alexandra (Michael) Huffman of Alaska; five great-grandchildren, Keegan (Faris) Williams, Maxx Huffman, Edisun Huffman, baby girl Huffman due in June and Logan Brown; a brother-in-law, Randell Scott of Leesburg; a sister-in-law, Ruth Scott of Leesburg; cousins; and many friends.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Celeste Hope Faris; and his brother, Joseph “Joe” Willard Faris.
Visitation will be held Thursday, April 18, 2024 from 4-7 p.m. and Friday, April 19 from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the South Side Church of Christ, 921 S. Fayette St., Washington C.H., Ohio 43160. Funeral services will take place following visitation Friday, April 19 at 1 p.m. at the South Side Church of Christ. Burial, with military honors presented by the Highland County Honor Guard, will be held in the Hillsboro Cemetery following services.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in John’s name to the LIFE Pregnancy Center, 238 S Fayette St., Washington C.H., Ohio 43160.
The Turner & Son Funeral Home is serving the family. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.turnerfuneralhomes.cc.