John Franklin Short

1931 - 2018

John Franklin Short

Bucyrus - John Franklin Short, 86, husband, father, grandfather, teacher, coach, and mentor, died due to cancer early Friday, April 6, 2018, surrounded by his family.

He was born November 20, 1931 in Richwood, West Virginia and raised in Camden-on-Gauley by the late Leonard B. and Emma Jane (Plummer) Starcher. It was in a wildlife area known as "The Cranberry" that John (who is known as Frank to those in West Virginia) grew to love everything to do with the outdoors, exploring the wilderness, fishing, and hunting. He developed a lifelong love for history while in middle school. Like his older brothers and sister, he left his beloved West Virginia to serve in the armed forces. He left Cowen High School at age 17 to join the US Army and served in the 3rd Infantry Division during the Korean Conflict where shrapnel fire contributed to him earning a Purple Heart. After returning from the war, John enrolled at Glenville State College and then taught at Erbacon (WV) Grade School before moving his family to Ohio in 1959 at the invitation of Crawford County School Superintendent, Gene Westfall, a fellow West Virginian. John was then a teacher and coach for many years in the Wynford School District. He loved returning to his beloved home state with family, friends, and students to share with them the beauty of "The Cranberry". "Frank" also cherished the moments he was able to spend with his two younger sisters, Bobbie and Shirley, during several special vacation trips.

Mr. Short will be remembered as a master storyteller in his teaching style and stern but fair approach to discipline. Several students remember a visit from his hole-laden paddle, "The Great White Hunter." Coach Short will be remembered for his many victorious Lykens Panthers football, basketball and State Marine Corp Physical Fitness teams which helped to earn him a spot in the coveted Wynford Sports Hall of Fame. Growing up in poverty gave him a special love and connection to those less fortunate. He had a strong work ethic and desire for his family and students to strive for their very best. This came through in his coaching, as well, and he was a champion for female athletes and coaches long before anyone had ever heard of Title IX. The day he retired, he took off his watch and began to relax; enjoying his days hunting, fishing, and gun collecting. He carried on his storytelling skills by teaching his grandchildren "How to Fight a Bear". During retirement years, John also had the opportunity to travel with his beloved wife, Pam (Staib) Short, who he married July 21, 1979. They enjoyed 29 years of love and laughter before her death in September 2008.

John is survived by three daughters, Becky Short of Columbus, Sandra (Dean) Shields of Crestline, and Erin (Travis) Moyer of Wapakoneta; seven grandchildren, Andrew (Kim) Shields, Brandon Shields (fiancée, Nikki Shepherd), Jonathan Short, and Peyton, Caleb, Tyler, and Camden Moyer; four great-grandchildren, Lucas, Taylor, Peyton and Peter; and one sister, Shirley Hedger of Mentor, Ohio.

In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by siblings, Ollie, Jack, George, Mina, and Barbara.

John's family will host a Celebration of Life on Sunday, April 15 at Trillium Event Center, 1650 E. Southern Ave. in Bucyrus, beginning at 2:00 pm when reflections will be shared and military rites will be conducted by the US Army Honor Guard; after which, they will continue to receive friends and serve a luncheon throughout the afternoon until 5:00 pm.

Those wishing to make memorial donations are encouraged to make them payable to Wynford Athletic Department. They can be given at the gathering or at Wise Funeral Service, 129 W. Warren St., Bucyrus, Ohio 44820. Memories and photos can be shared on John's tribute page at www.wisefuneral.com.