Arthur L. St. John

Arthur L. St. John Jr. passed away peacefully on March 2, 2026 in Madison Ohio. Arthur was born November 3, 1930, in Geneva, Oh, The son of Arthur L. St. John Sr. and Viola (Koechert) St. John. He lived in Geneva, Geneva-on-the-Lake, Ashtabula, and Madison throughout his life.

Survivors include his son Dale St. John (Anne), grandchildren Erin (Haldi, Mike), Ryan and Emily. Great grandchildren Benjamin and Riley Haldi.

He was the last surviving sibling of 13 children from his parents Arthur L. St. John Sr. and Viola St. John (Koechert) and is preceded in death by his parents, his first wife of 23 years Elizabeth (Betty Johnson), his infant daughter Cynthia, and siblings; Leon, Helen, Dorothy, Allen, George, Willis, Marjorie (Nappi), Robert, Donald, David, Raymond, and James. Also many nieces and nephews from those siblings.
He graduated from Geneva High School in 1948 and became a worker and local businessman in the Geneva and Geneva-on-the-Lake area.

He worked his youth summers at the Sports Center Arcade in Geneva-on-the-Lake starting at age 15. He went on over the years to become manager. Eventually buying the arcade about 1970 after the owner Ormond Allen passed away. He then purchased adjoining properties when they became available at Sheriff's auction. In 1978 he built King Arthur's Courts (11 motel efficiency apts.) which he ran until age 80 in 2011 when he sold the property. The Sports Center was sold in 1992. Over the years he also ran the Billiards/Pool Hall in Geneva. He worked full time at True Temper in Geneva for 31 yrs. from 1949-1982 as a laborer making and inspecting golf shafts. Working this factory job all year long and working two jobs with his other businesses in the summer months.

He served in the U.S Army from 1951-1953 and then in the reserves for 4 years, completing his basic training at Ft. Knox, KY. His unit was Company C-13th Armored Infantry Battalion Combat Command A of the 3rd Armored Division 4th Platoon. He was eventually stationed in Mannheim, Germany and served as a Military Police Guard. He was honorably discharged March 6, 1957 with the rank of Sergeant.

He enjoyed bowling and had 7 perfect 300 games to his credit the first coming at age 62 and his last in his early 70's. He played on and sponsored bowling leagues throughout his life. He liked watching baseball on TV and followed the Cleveland Guardians very closely always knowing where they were in the standings. He also loved playing cards and poker including weekly all-night games with his poker buddies from the Ashtabula Harbor area.

Graveside services for family and close friends will be held at a later date when all family members will be able to attend. Family and friends will be notified of that date. Arrangements will be handled by the Behm Funeral Home.