John Irwin Whitten

John I Whitten 81 of Groveport Ohio went home to be with the Lord on September 21st, 2025. He was born on November 16th ,1943 in Columbus, Ohio to the late Harry and Hazel Whitten. He is preceded in death by the love of his life and high school sweetheart, Sharon K Whitten, with whom he shared 55 years of marriage. He is also preceded in death by his daughter, Elizabeth Marie; son, John Whitten and grandson, Talon Whitten; sisters, Mary Russ and Evelyn (Sis) Darr; brother, Wesley (Jack) Whitten; brothers- in-law, Steve Eagleson and Terry Eagleson; mother-in-law, Constance Eagleson; stepfather-in-law, Don Eagleson; father-in-law, Waldo ( Red) Harshbarger; sister-in-law, Sandy Eagleson.

John is survived by his loving daughter, Christine (Matthew) Petty; grandchildren, Amanda (Jacob) Lawson, Zachery (Jaycie) Petty, Jenna Morgan Whitten, J.D (fiance Emily) Whitten, Teagan Whitten and five cherished great grandchildren - Lillian, Sadie, Oliver, Ivy and Autumn; daughter-in-law, Kimberly Whitten; and his constant companion his fur baby Rosie. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Cheryl (Dennis) Landon; brothers-in-law, Michael (Barb) Eagleson and Barry (Julie) Harshbarger; sisters-in-law, Agnes Whitten and Karen Eagleson; cousin, Betty (Phil) Talbott; and numerous nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly.

A graduate of Eastmoor High School. John retired from a long career with AT&T and then with Groveport Madison schools. He was an honorable man who took great pride in his career and family. John loved spending time with his family especially his grandchildren and great great children who brought him endless joy and laughter. He was lovingly referred to as "dad Whitten" and "grandpa Whitten" to his children's friends and his grandchildren's' friends throughout the years. He enjoyed fishing trips to Canada with his family and friends , working in his garage, creating model airplanes and visiting the shooting range. A life long enthusiast, he was an accomplished HAM radio operator, spending hours hanging out in his "HAM shack" communicating with people all over the world, In his younger years he enjoyed spending time at National Trail Raceway with his cherished 67 Camero, coaching youth football and practicing and competing in Taekwondo.

John was a long time member of Madison Christian Church, where his faith guided his life. The family extends heartfelt thanks to Pastor Paul Barnes and the Madison Christian Family for their love, prayers and support as well as to Dr. Greg Wise and his staff for their compassionate care and for John and Sharon over the years.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday October 25th 2025 at Madison Christian Church in Groveport, Ohio. Family and friends are invited to gather form 11:00 am to 1:00 pm with the service beginning at 12:30 pm, lead by Pastor Paul Barnes.

John will be remembered as a loving, kind and hardworking man who's quiet strength and deep love for his family will continue to inspire all who knew him.