Joshua Adam Schwenning

Joshua "Josh" Adam Schwenning

Lover of Tuesdays, golf carts, and inappropriate (but technically G-rated) gestures
September 15, 1981 – September 7, 2025

Joshua Schwenning, lovingly known as "Josh or Joshie," and originator of the one-finger wave (index only, thank you very much), passed away peacefully in 2025, surrounded by the love he so freely gave to others.

Born with ring chromosome 13, Josh's life was full of medical challenges - surgeries, therapies, and more setbacks than anyone should have to endure. And yet, if you knew Josh, you knew this: he was never a victim of his circumstances. He was hilarious, forgiving, joyful, and endlessly loving. He was "done" with nonsense, "home-a, home-a, home-a" when he needed to bounce, and absolutely ready for Tuesday - because it was the only day of the week he could say, and that made it the best one.

Josh was a light. He never met a stranger, knew no enemies, and held no grudges. He was quick to forgive, and quick to love - often fiercely, sometimes awkwardly, but always wholeheartedly. His crushes were legendary and persistent. From his sister's best friend Amber, to his brother Joey's ("Doe-ie') wife Danielle, family friends who were also family, Megan and Heather, to his niece-in-law Raquel - if Josh was attached, you knew it. And he never let a little thing like marital status or family ties get in the way of a good love story.

He loved rock music, blasting it on his iPad while wearing whichever pair of headphones or earbuds he believed he absolutely needed at that moment. (Spoiler: he had several already. Didn't matter.)

When life felt scary - especially before surgeries or in tough moments - Josh would hold his hands in a prayer position and talk quietly to Jesus. It was one of the most tender, soul-deep things anyone could witness. He knew about heaven, and he believed his Wam-Maw, his dad, and his Whoppie were there waiting for him. He carried that peace in his heart, and now we carry it in ours.

Josh made his home - and his mark - at the campground he and Mom had after Whoppie passed. It was there he lived his best life: riding his golf cart like a boss, waving to every single camper, and getting those waves right back. And yes, if you flipped him off with your index finger, you were doing it right. He was famous for that - but we'll just say it once more, because he'd like that.

Josh had special names for everyone he loved. Jensyn was "Poopy," the middle granddaughter was "Mo-Mo," the youngest was "Baby," and nephew Jack was "Jack-Jack" (in that unmistakable Josh voice). One niece earned the forever-title "Weed," because… well, nobody's quite sure, but it stuck. He loved holding babies - until they cried or wiggled, at which point he'd yell: "Mom! Sissy! Uh-oh!"

His sister, whom he fiercely loved, was always "Sissy." To school-time friends, hospital staff and strangers alike, she was known as "Josh Schwenning's sister," and she wouldn't have it any other way. The love between them was undeniable, and their bond was one of the great constants in his life.

Josh had a memory like no other - he never forgot a face, a friend, or a favorite song. He adored scrolling Facebook, checking in on everyone, and looking through photos of his favorite people. If you knew Josh, he remembered you. And you never forgot him.

He is survived by his devoted mom - his rock, protector, and best friend. She never left his side, not through the hardest days or the longest nights. Her strength and love gave Josh a full and beautiful life, and their connection was something rare and fierce. He is also survived by his sister and her family (who adored him), his stepbrothers and stepsister (who were always just his "brothers" and "sister"), and a huge circle of family, friends, and campground buddies who were better for having known him.

Josh is now reunited in heaven with his beloved Wam-Maw, his dad, his Whoppie, Papaw, and Aunt Janie.

Josh is survived by his devoted mother, Lisa Robin Adkins (Upper Sandusky), who never left his side, and Terry Scribner (formerly known as *kissie-face sound but he finally said Terry just the other morning). He is also survived by his sister and constant champion, Melissa "Sissy" Thomas, and his loving brother-in-law "Norm-Norm" (Bloomville); his forever brother Joe Adkins and wife Danielle (Sevierville, Tennessee); Jeff Adkins and wife Becky (Upper Sandusky); and his stepmother Gay Schwenning (Hilliard, Ohio), along with Sean, Mike, and Meggie.

He is also survived by another set of forever brothers, Cory and Eric Welter.

Josh leaves behind two grandmothers; Teddi Tipton (Palm Harbor, Florida) and aunt Terri, Mary Adkins (Upper Sandusky). Evelyn Schwenning (Upper Sandusky), and five Schwenning uncles and their families.

He is also survived by his nieces and nephews, each one lovingly nicknamed by Josh: Jensyn Fredritz ("Poopy") (McCutchenville,Ohio) and "Brad-a-lee"; Jackson, Raquel, Dixie, and Waylon Gallant (Heber City, Utah); Zandria "Mo-Mo" Gallant (Findlay, Ohio); Jostyn "Baby" Gallant (Sycamore, Ohio), Christian (*kissie-face sound), and baby "Ko-Ko" - whom he didn't get to meet but would've loved endlessly. He is also survived by Harley "Weed" Thomas and Chandler, who shared many laughs and memories with him over the years.

Also, countless members of his extended "family" at Tee-Pee Campground, especially "Papaw" Dave Westbrook and his family.

Josh was welcomed into heaven by those who went before him: his father, Mark Schwenning; his other dad, Steve "Whoppie" Adkins; his beloved grandmother, Juanita "Wam-Maw" Saul; and his grandfather, Otis Tipton. He missed them deeply and often spoke of them with love and humor.

He was more than a son, a brother, an uncle, and a friend. He was a reminder that joy can exist in pain, that humor can heal, and that love - real, big, unapologetic love - can come from the most unexpected and beautiful places.

He made us laugh, made us better, and made us whole. We are heartbroken that he's gone, but grateful he is no longer scared or in pain.

And just like Josh would say when he was ready to go…

"Done."

The funeral service for Joshua Schwenning will be held at 12:00 pm on Friday, September 12, 2025, at Lucas-Batton Funeral Home with Bishop Ted Thomas officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery.

Visitations will be held from 5:00 – 8:00 pm on Thursday, September 11, 2025, at the funeral home, and from 11:00 am – 12:00 pm on Friday, prior to the service.

Memorial contributions may be made to Lucas-Batton Funeral Home, to assist with funeral expenses, and can be sent to Lucas-Batton, 476 S. Sandusky Ave. Upper Sandusky, OH 43351.