John Furniss

The beautiful life light of John (Johnny) Floyd Furniss, age 62, left this earth on Nov. 24, 2013, where he will forever shine in the heavens and the hearts of all who loved him. He was born March 29, 1951 to Jim and Betsey (Mouser) Furniss. He grew up on his family farm near Derby, OH and graduated from Westfall High School. An outstanding athlete, he excelled in football receiving many awards, including First Team All Ohio and set many school records, some still remaining today unbroken. He was honored in 1999 when he was inducted into the Westfall High School Athlete Hall of Fame. He attended Otterbein University and later joined the Ohio Air National Guard 121st TFW that later became the 121st Air Refueling Wing.

His outstanding qualities were evident in his being awarded Airman of the Year in 1971 and was a veteran of Desert Storm. During his career John was awarded the following medals, National Defense Service, Air Force Meritorious Achievement with four bronze oak leaf clusters, Ohio Commendation Medals, Air Force Longevity award with three bronze oak leaf clusters, Air Force Achievement medals and Air Force Outstanding Unit ribbons and numerous others. In addition to his Ohio Air National Guard military service, John was a full time employee of the Federal Government for over 40 years in several other branches including the Department of Defense, Department of the Interior: Bureau of Reclamation in Billings, Montana. Always the athlete, John was a long time member of the 121st traveling softball team.

Besides enjoying time with his family, John took pleasure in the outdoors, fishing and hunting, raising livestock, growing things in the soil, and in later years watching his two grandson’s basketball games. He was their greatest fan and supporter. There is much more to his life than what can ever be written here. John lived his life with honor and dignity and will be deeply missed by his family.

John was preceded in death by his grandparents, John & Marvene Furniss and Floyd & Mildred Mouser, son-in-law Brian P. Anderson, father-in-law, Gerald T. Metts, several aunts, uncles and an infant brother.

John’s life was filled with endless, unconditional love for his family. He was a devoted, loving husband to the love of his life, wife Susan (Metts) Furniss; adoring father to his children, Stephanie A. Furniss, Westerville, Kirk D. Furniss, Eagle Grove, IA, and Jonnie Sue Anderson, Circleville; blessed grandfather (Ohpaw) to Dylan M. and Chase J. Anderson; loving son to Jim & Betsey (Mouser) Furniss, Williamsport; loving brother to Rhonda (Furniss) Phillips, Commerical Point; “Uncle Johnny” to James (Kristen) Phillips and Julie (Tim) Wickline; loving son-in-law to Katherine “Katy” Metts, Ashville; also survived by an uncle, several cousins, great nieces and nephews and many friends.

A Life Tribute will be held Dec. 8, 2013 at AMVETS 818 Tarlton Rd., Circleville, OH, where family will receive friends from 2-4 p.m. Various close friends will be officiating. Johnny took fashion cues from no one, his signature every day look was all his. He would encourage anyone attending to please dress comfortable.

Contributions to John’s memory may be made to Westfall Education Foundation, 19463 Pherson Pike, Williamsport, OH 43164. Please write in memo, Derby Jr. Garden Club, John F. Furniss Memorial.

As he requested, a private scattering of remains will take place at a much later date at the family’s discretion in Yellowstone County, Montana. Cremation arrangements entrusted to Schoedinger Grove City Chapel.