John David Vanover

John David Vanover was born on November 11, 1948 in King's Daughter's Hospital in Ashland, Kentucky to the late John Vanover Jr. and Thelma Louise Parker.
He was also preceded in death by his sisters Connie Cosner and Sue Terry, his brother Charles "Frankie" Vanover, and nephew Ralph Vanover. Surviving are his wife of 42 years, Robin Keyser Vanover, son John David (Jennifer) Vanover, daughter Kristin (Steve) McAllister, brother Ralph (Barb) Vanover; Grandchildren: Allison, Haley, Elizabeth, Callan, Kareic, and Kaison, special Niece Tammy Terry Gentsel, brother-in-law Lloyd (Kathy) Keyser, sister-in-law Lee Waddell, and numerous extended family members who he cherished dearly.
John met Robin in Ashland, Kentucky while visiting his cousin Kathy (Wayne) Felty on Derby Day (May 1982). They married July 10, 1982 in the Hocking Hills at a Sunday School picnic and he always said he went to Kentucky to rescue her and that he did.
John was always a hard worker. After graduating from Reynoldsburg High School in 1967 – he joined the Navy. He then worked as a systems engineer starting with Western Electric, then AT&T, Lucent Technologies, and Bell Labs. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Capital University in 1993. Part-time, he worked at Lazarus at Eastland Mall in the gift-wrap department. After his 30 year retirement from Bell Labs, he worked for Paramount Realty as a project manager for 8 years, and then Columbia Gas for 10 years as a financial analyst.
John was a member of Messiah Lutheran Church, and the American Quarter Horse Association. Softball was his passion when he was younger, pitching on 3 different leagues in the 1980s. He began riding Quarter horses 20 years ago at Chuck Smith Cutting Horses in Canal Winchester and that became his "happy place." He loved his two big "pets;" his quarter horses Badger and Spooke Kisses, and enjoyed the sport of cutting and the many good friends he made there.
One of his fondest memories were trips out west with his best friends from the barn: (Chuck Smith, Ken Danter, and Jimmy McHugh) to go fly fishing on the Colorado River in Arizona. Hilton Head was also one of his favorite destinations to visit. John adored his family and always treasured his time with his children and grandchildren and loved being their Papaw. His humor was infectious, and he always knew how to lighten any mood with a silly antic or perfectly timed movie quote. His knack for finding the bright side of any situation made him a beacon of joy in the lives of everyone who knew him.
He and Robin never missed a Columbus George Straight concert. He loved to work computer jigsaw puzzles – solving over 1,000 puzzles last year and watching movies. "Pure Country", "Parent Trap", "Sleepless in Seattle", "The Natural," and "An Affair to Remember", and any John Wayne or Audie Murphy movie were among his favorites, which he would watch repeatedly.
The past year has been spent trying to "get well" and "get back to normal" from a variety of medical issues. Through numerous battles, he never gave up and was a fighter to the end! Pastors Karl Hanf and Staci Stought have been so supportive during his various illnesses and hospital admissions, bringing friendship, prayer, and communion which gave him great comfort.
John leaves behind a legacy of laughter and love, a testament to the joy he brought to the world. His spirit will live on in the countless stories and memories he created. The lyrics to one of his favorite George Straight songs says it all! "Life's Been Grand." He was a man of integrity with a strong moral compass. He always said, "when it's my time to go, it's my time." He loved the Lord from a young age and trusted His plan.
We greatly appreciate all the many prayers lifted to Heaven for John this past difficult year. We truly believe he was "cured" in Heaven and "is living his best life" as our 6 year old grandson Kareic David prayed. We believe he's now healthy, whole, pain-free, and enjoying a good long trail ride!
We would like to extend our deepest gratitude to the incredible staff at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center Richard M. Ross Heart Hospital, and particularly Kukbin Choi, MD, for their tireless efforts and compassion in caring for John.
We were all blessed to have been loved by him and I'll always be proud to be Mrs. John Vanover.
Service Information:
Visitation: Family and friends are invited to Cotner Funeral Home at 7368 East Main Street Reynoldsburg, Ohio 43068 on Wednesday, May 29th from 6:00 – 8:00 PM.
Funeral Service: Thursday, May 30th at 11:00 AM at Messiah Lutheran Church at 1200 South Waggoner Road Reynoldsburg, Ohio 43068
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