SSS Member John A Stottlemyer, 84, headed west after complications from Lymphoma on Thursday, October 12, 2017. He spent his last days peacefully with his family gathered around him. John was born on February 16, 1933, in Dayton, Ohio to Doris and Samuel Stottlemyer. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Eleanor; sister and brother in law Ann and Ted Hardy; children Karen Payne (Dan), John Stottlemyer (Randi), Amy Campbell (Joe), Beth Battreall (Chris), Eric Stottlemyer (Jessica); grandchildren Jessica Campbell, Jenna (Payne) Phillips (Nick), Ian Campbell, Kelsey Payne, Sidney Campbell, Samuel Payne, Fern Stottlemyer and Juniper Stottlemyer; nephews Greg Hardy and Douglas Hardy.
John grew up in Dayton, Ohio, and graduated from Fairview High School in 1951. He played football at Miami University (1955) and was a member of the Beta Theta Pi fraternity. John and Eleanor met at Miami and faithfully attended many class and fraternity reunions well into their retirement. Upon graduation, John served in the United States Air Force for four years, stationed in France and Germany. He was a First Lieutenant F-100 fighter pilot, and always retained his love for the Super Sabre.
John and Eleanor were married in 1957 in Etain, France, and they lived in Europe for the duration of his service in the Air Force. Back in the United States, John spent his 38-year career working at the Ohio State University. He started in the business office and ended his career as Director of Management Studies. During the 1970s, he oversaw the implementation of campus-wide computer systems.
He was an avid Buckeye fan and rarely missed a home football game in over 40 years. As young parents, John and Eleanor were very involved at Immaculate Conception Church and CFM (Christian Family Movement). John was also actively involved in the Worthington Historical Society and the Ohio Historical Society. Throughout his life, John had many, many interests, passions, and hobbies. He was well traveled and loved all types of music, opera, astronomy, sports and history, and he was a talented artist. John was a lifelong learner, constantly pursuing new interests.
Above all else, he loved his family. He was a true patriarch and a loving husband, father and grandfather. The family is grateful for the excellent care he received at the James Cancer Hospital and at Kobacker House.