John T. Elshire

John T. Elshire, 65, of Wapakoneta, died 9:00 a.m., Tues. May 11, 2010, at the Riverside Methodist Hospital, Columbus, OH. He was born Oct. 1, 1944, in La Porte, IN, the son of Howard “Mac” & Betty (Tonn) Elshire, who preceded him in death. On June 20, 1970, he married Priscilla F. Shaw, and she survives. Other survivors include, 3 children, Amy (J.D.) Glisson, Ballwin, MO, Erin (Derron) Hollenbacher, Lewis Center, OH, J. Andrew (Seema) Elshire, Dublin, OH, 7 grandchildren, Jackson, Annie, Molly, & Grant Glisson, Dylan & Zachary Hollenbacher, Cooper Elshire, 2 brothers, James (Diane) Elshire, Wapakoneta, Joel Elshire, St. Marys, OH, a sister, Heather (Tom) Curtis, Raleigh, N.C. John was a graduate of Wapakoneta High School and attended The Ohio State University. He also served his country in the U.S. Army and was a veteran of the Vietnam War. John was a devoted and loving husband, father, and grandfather whose passions in life included his work as a businessman, the game of golf, and his singing groups. John joined Don Friend as a partner in Friend’s Office Supplies in 1970 and eventually became sole owner of the business. In later years he worked for ProGrade, Inc. in sales and Binkley Real Estate as an agent. John was a life-long golfer as a member of the Wapakoneta Country Club and served on its board of directors, including a term as president. He was a member of the Wapakoneta First United Methodist Church and its Chancel Choir and also served on its Administrative Board and other committees. John was an active member of the Wapakoneta Rotary Club and was proud of his part in that organization’s blood testing program. He played an active role in his children’s activities as they grew up by coaching various teams, serving as starter for the Wapakoneta Waves swim team for many years, and having the distinction of being the first announcer for the girls’ basketball program at Wapakoneta High School. He also officiated football at the midget, junior high, and varsity levels for many years. One of the greatest loves in the last few years of his life was being a member of the Grand Lake Sound Waves Chorus, continuing the tradition that he began as a member of the Men’s Glee Club at The Ohio State University. Memorial services will be 10:00 a.m., Sat. May 15, 2010, at First United Methodist Church, Wapakoneta, Pastor R.J. Davis officiating. Burial of the cremated remains will follow in the Greenlawn Cemetery, where military rites will be conducted by the Wapakoneta V.F.W. The family will receive friends 3-7 p.m., Fri. at the Bayliff & Eley Funeral Home, St. Rt. 501, Wapakoneta, and 1 hr. prior to the service, Sat. at the church. Memorial contributions may be directed to the First United Methodist Church or the Alzheimer’s Foundation.

John T. Elshire

October 1, 1944 - May 11, 2010