John Fleming, Sr

John E. Fleming, Sr., age 71, of Lancaster, Ohio and Fort Myers, Florida, passed away on Saturday, January 6, 2018, at the Pickering House.

John is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Kathleen; his son, John, Jr. of St. Petersburg, Florida; daughter, Kimberly (Rodney) Gomez of Port St. Lucie, Florida; two grandchildren, Tyler and Brooke Gomez of Port St. Lucie, Florida; three sisters, Phyllis (Tom) Warfield of Lancaster, Bonnie (Warren) Kisner of Canton, Ohio, and Faye (Jim) Carpenter of St. Augustine, Florida; numerous nieces and nephews including special nephew, Cain Denton, who loved his Uncle John, and would always be there to help when we needed a helping hand. He is also survived by so many wonderful friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Marie Fleming; brother, Leonard Fleming; sister, Mary Wentz, and an infant son.

John is formerly of Sugar Grove, Ohio and graduated from Berne Union High School. He loved his country and proudly served in the United States Navy from 1965 to 1969, assigned to Aviation Ordnance, Air Crewman. His service included a tour of duty in Cam Ranh Bay, Viet Nam.

John retired from Diamond Power International after 28 years. He was a member of St. Peter’s Little Country Church in Lancaster and St. Francis Catholic Church in Fort Meyers, Florida.

John loved spending time with his children and grandchildren. He really liked traveling all over the state of Florida. He also had so much fun on our train trips, and thoroughly enjoyed our Agawa Canyon Train Tour in Algoma Country, Ontario, Canada.

He loved building and living in log homes as well as building log home furniture.

Also, he looked forward each and every year to the annual tradition of watching the OSU - Michigan Game with all of his brothers, sisters in law, and cousins. It was always a great and special time!

This year’s Pumpkin Show in Circleville, Ohio was a special one for John. He was asked to represent the United States Navy and ride on the Veterans’ Float. He was so honored to be part of such a great tribute to our military.

John was such a fun loving person and especially enjoyed his friends from Olivedale Senior Center. He was a volunteer at the Foundation Dinners in Lancaster. He was also a member of The Big Pines Campers Club.

John had to overcome many critical health issues during his life, but he never gave up on making the most of each and every day, and always finding the good in people. His sense of humor was amazing; his life was a blessing to all who knew him.

Special thanks to Dr. Thomas Ryan, Dr. Elisa Bradley, Dr. Douglas Pope, Dr. Michael Falkenhain, and the staff from The Ohio State University Ross Heart Center, the Fairfield Medical Center, as well as the James Cancer Hospital for the excellent care they gave to John, and to all the kind people who have been there for us during his illness.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Ohio State University Richard Ross Heart Center, The James Cancer Hospital, The American Diabetes Association, or the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans, 1730 M Street NW, Suite 705, Washington, DC 20036.

Funeral service for John will be held at 11:00 AM Thursday at St. Peter’s Little Country Church, 4990 Tschopp Rd NE, Lancaster, OH 43130. Graveside service will follow in the Floral Hills Memory Gardens Mausoleum with Military Funeral Rites by the Lancaster Veterans Burial Detail. Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 8:00 PM Wednesday at the FRANK E. SMITH FUNERAL HOME, Lancaster.

Funeral Service

11:00 AM ,Thursday, January 11, 2018
St. Peter's Little Country Church
4990 Tschopp Road NE Lancaster, OH 43130

Visitation

4:00 PM - 8:00 PM ,Wednesday, January 10, 2018
Frank E. Smith Funeral Home
405 N. Columbus St Lancaster, OH 43130