John Wesley Zion

John Wesley Zion, age 92, of New Philadelphia, died Monday, March 8, 2021, in Cleveland Clinic Union Hospital at Dover.

Born on October 9, 1928, in New Philadelphia, John was a son of the late John Wesley Zion, Sr. and Michalina Happy Zion. After graduating from New Philadelphia High School in 1946, John enlisted into the United States Army and proudly served his country from 1946-1947.

He obtained his Bachelor of Education Degree from The College of Wooster and later his Master’s in Education and also his Educational Specialist endorsement from Kent State University. John spent 20 years with the New Philadelphia City Schools as an educator and later an addition seven years as the Athletic Director. He later turned his focus to the administrative side of education and worked for 20 years with the Tuscarawas County Board of Education as a Supervisor.

John was also a civic leader having served on the New Philadelphia City Council and later served three terms as a Tuscarawas County Commissioner.

As an active member of the community, John’s faith was nurtured at the First United Methodist Church at New Philadelphia. He was a longtime member of the New Philadelphia Lions Club, a diehard Quaker sports fan and member of the Quaker Club. He was also an avid golfer, who enjoyed attending auctions and collecting Degenhart Glass.

He is survived by his wife of 72 years, the former Georgia Fitch whom he married on New Years Day, 1949; their children, Cathy Jo (Jeff) Bleininger of New Philadelphia, Debra Sue Douglass of Dover, and John M. Zion of New Philadelphia; eight grandchildren, Alex Gray, Nick Gray, Katie (Alex) Standiford, Kris (Tyra) Bleininger, Carrie (Todd) Calton, Sean (Shiron) Zion, Brittany (Jacob) Myers, Michael Zion, and 15 great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by a sister, Irene Zion.

A memorial service celebrating John’s life will be led by Pastor Brandon Keck, on Wednesday, March 17, 2021 at 1 PM in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia where the family will greet guests one hour prior to the service from Noon to 1 PM. Burial with military honors being rendered by the New Philadelphia VFW will follow in the Evergreen Burial Park at New Philadelphia.

At this time, the six-foot rule will be honored and all guests are required to wear a mask to enter the funeral home. For the safety of everyone, and to allow other guests to pay their respects, we politely ask that visitors do not linger in the funeral home and to promptly exit the building after greeting the family.

Memorial contributions in John’s name may be directed to the First United Methodist Church, 201 West High Avenue, New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663.

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