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Rebecca J Wood
March 23, 2026
I often think of John and it makes my heart sad that he´s gone so young and it makes my heart full because we were good friends while we were students at Hocking College. I was also honored to be close friends with him and his family and spent an afternoon just visiting at their house in Athens and sketching with Marty. That was an inspiration. I often passed their house and that´s what stimulates my memory, wishing the entire family well and holding John near and dear in my heart and memory.
Paul Dubuc
March 23, 2021
We still miss you very much, John. The neighborhood just isn't the same without you.
Karl Justin Smith
May 3, 2013
I first met John when we were both part of a group of feral teenagers in the "Commons". We all spent a lot of time in the woodlands and farmland around the Olentangy and Scioto rivers, and later ventured further afield camping in Hocking Hills, Shawnee and Wayne forests in southern Ohio. I used to see John when he came to visit his mother when she spent some time living with us, but as with most high school friends everyone had to find their way in the wider world. I am gratified that John's reputation as a conservationist in his professional life was not that far removed from the ideals and values of the young man I knew. My sympathies to all of the Husted family.
Gary Kaster
April 4, 2013
Please accept my deepest condolences on your loss. I met John many years ago working on AML projects on AEP land. I instantly knew that he was a special person. Know that in spite of your loss he left a tremendous legacy in protecting and restoring the natural resources with which our Creator has blessed us. He was dedicated, talented and inspiring.
Russ Scholl
April 4, 2013
John was a very special person, always willing to help and always a friend to those that knew him. We shared many things; work, walks in the woods, dog stories, cabin issues, AOA projects and most of all an enduring warm friendship. I will miss him dearly.My wife Sandy and I extend our deepest sympathy to Marty and her family.

Fun times at the India Oak
Nancy Hughes
April 4, 2013
John was a gentleman and a gentle man. He lived a purpose filled life, cared about and for others without compromising his values, and left something of lasting value behind. There's no replacing John, and his family and friends will forever feel his absence as they move through their lives - but my sincerest wish and prayer is that Marty, Emily, Forrest and all of his family and friends will, as soon as possible, have their warm memories uncompromised by the pain of his loss.
Paul Harshbarger
April 4, 2013
John was a friend of mine in high school and lived about 3 houses from me. I always tell my children that there are "friends" and then there are true friends. John was one of those , a true friend that would always be there for you. I saw him briefly about 10 years ago and it was like it was years before. I know John will be missed and I will always have fond memories of him.
Martie please accept my condolences.
Ron Jones
April 2, 2013
What a wonderful person..May he live on forever!
Hillary Hutchinson
April 2, 2013
I remember John from Whetstone High School, and he certainly went on to lead an exemplary life helping the world with his vision of the correct management of natural resources. He will be missed.
April 2, 2013
God Bless the Husted Family!
Ann M. Walker, Office of Surface Mining,
National Technical Traing Program
April 2, 2013
James S. Iverson
Jay DePaul
April 2, 2013
So sorry for your loss. Such an unexpected catastrophe. John will be missed. May he live long in our thoughts.
Pete Kidwell
April 1, 2013
My sincere condolences to John's family and friends. He was a wonderful person. Rather than mourn his passing, I will celebrate his his life, the joy he spread, and how many people's lives he enriched. God bless you John.
Lenore Meila
April 1, 2013
Marty and family, my sincerest sympathies for your loss.
Marilyn Hermann
April 1, 2013
Marty, Emily, Forrest, Deborah, Rob, and families,
Please know that I admired John tremendously. I will never forget how John and you and your kids made the effort to frequently visit my mother after my dad passed away. It meant so much to her. I also appreciated the opportunity to visit with all of you at your lovely cabin in the Hocking Hills. Although our families were not close in past years, John was the one who was instrumental in bringing us back together. Love and prayers to all of you.
Jared Sherwood
April 1, 2013
John was one of those rare people that when they come into your life, they make an impact. An Irish toast for John: "Kind family and friends please join me in rhyme
Come lift up your voices in chorus with mine. Come drink and be merry Turning grief to good cheer. Till we stand with him again drawing near. Here's health to his family and one to his lass. We hold up a pint and all share from one glass.
Let us drink and be merry; turning grief to delight. Till that day when we see him and again hold him tight. Here's health to his lass;That he adored without a doubt. Their love and their bond He could not live without.
Never failing his friends; Always there to give aid; Always leading his family; As he knelt and he prayed.
His ship lies in harbor waiting to sail; I pray for smooth seas; and soft winds to prevail.
When we leave here to meet him whether by land or by sea; I will never forget
His affection for me."
Linda Osterman
April 1, 2013
I have known John for years, through his work at the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. He was truly a warm and wonderful person. My heart goes out to his family. His deeds and caring nature will not be forgotten.
Mike Sponsler
April 1, 2013
Husted Family,
John was a compassionate, kind man. I considered him a confidant and close friend. I will miss him, so I can only imagine your loss. My deepest heartfelt support and compassion goes out to the Husted Family.
William Miska
March 31, 2013
I got to know John when he managed the Abandoned Mine Land Emergency Program. I was an Office of Surface Mining employee until 1995, and John and I often discussed mine land problems. It was easy to get to know, like, and trust John. His insight and recommendations were welcomed and greatly facilitated getting mine land problems corrected.
Mike, Gena, and Maddie Shelton
March 30, 2013
Marty and family, we are so sorry for the loss of John. He was a tremendous person, colleague, and friend. Ohio has lost a champion for conservation and Clintonville has lost a wonderful neighbor. He was fond of retelling and laughing about the experience he and I shared of unexpectedly writing coal mining legislation in the Governor's office 15 minutes before it was voted on by the House of Representatives. Good thing John knew what he was doing! That experience with him, among many others, will forever be with me. Thank you for sharing him with us, and with so many others he helped throughout his life's work. We all miss him so much already, and will miss him always.
Paul Dubuc
March 30, 2013
It's been such a blessing to have lived across the street from John, Marty and their family for well over twenty years ... There's such a big hole in our neighborhood life now without John that only the love of God and hope to fill it. May we all find more of that for one another to see us through the days to come.
Linda Tustin
March 30, 2013
I am so sorry for your loss Marty, and I send you and your whole family all my love.
lisa craddock thitoff
March 30, 2013
marty,
my best to you, your family and all who knew john. my prayers and thoughts are with you. i did not know him, but he sounds like a lovely man.
Jeff Law
March 30, 2013
Prayers of comfort to the entire Husted family. I will always treasure the lessons learned in my time spent working with John, especially the ability to temper the difficult situations with utmost respect and compassion for all involved. He always spoke so proudly of his family and staff and there was never any doubt where his heart and values were anchored. We were all blessed for being able to share some of his time. God bless.
Ron and Karen Porta
March 30, 2013
Marty & Family,
Thinking of you, and praying for you in your time of loss. You have our most sincere sympathy.
Joan Canavan
March 30, 2013
Marty And Family....I was so sorry to hear of John's death. I will keep All Of You In my prayers.
Tori and Rick Warden
March 30, 2013
Our thoughts are with you and your family.
Linda Coe
March 30, 2013
Marty and family, I was so sorry to hear of your great loss. Please know many prayers will be with you as you travel this grief-filled journey. God bless, Linda Coe
March 30, 2013
Dear Marty and family, I had the great privalige as others to work with John at ODNR, My short time there was enriched by his, passion for his work, his integrity, caring for his fellow employees, and his wit to bring humor to very serious and tense situations. He truly has made a differece in the State of Ohio and most importantly peoples lives, something we know you are very proud of. He spoke of you often during our many times together.
Our deepest sympathy.
Rich and Lori Milleson
Stephen Bennett
March 30, 2013
Marty, John was such a good neighbor, but more than that a friend. It was my privledge to live so close, speak with him often, and enjoy his company. I miss John.
Inga Smith
March 30, 2013
Marty, My deepest sympathies to you and your family. What a loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Rebecca Wood
March 30, 2013
John was a friend and inspiration. He, his family, and particularly his wife Marty, was an important part of my early adult life in Athens county, in all aspects! John is someone who will be missed and will continue to inspire many!
Jim and Ellen Glover
March 30, 2013
Marty and family,
You are in our prayers for God's comfort in such sorrowful times. May His grace and peace be in your midst as you grieve and grapple with what lies ahead.
March 30, 2013
I am just so sorry. Such a warm, caring person`. Thelma White, San Diego
Barbara Scott Hoopes
March 29, 2013
Words cannot express ......I am so sorry to hear of your great loss. Love to you and your family. Barbara Scott Hoopes
Christy Burns
March 29, 2013
I have known you for such a short time but it made such an impact on me. We were like "old" friends from the start. I will cherish all my wonderful memories. So much laughter and just really nice talks. I will also never forget booging out on the dance floor. You were one of the few brave men to get out there and show off your moves. You were such a great person and I'm sure you are in heaven helping out anyone who needs it :)
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