John Wiley Aldridge

John Wiley Aldridge,

October 6th, 1960 - March 16th, 2020

John, 59, passed away peacefully on March 16th, 2020 at his home in Pataskala, Ohio of pancreatic cancer.

He chose a career in maintenance at Watkins Memorial School District to utilize his vast knowledge of how things work. John was a Teamster and Mason.

There was never a dull moment growing up on the farm in Summit Station. John could be seen at night with his cousins or friends trekking across the field with a flashlight on their way to the pond to go frog giggin'. And yes, he would bring them home to have frog legs. His sense of adventure didn't stop there. Once John and his cousin Timmy Munn caught a turtle and cooked it, whole, with all of it's pieces and parts and everything inside. Mom still laughs to this day of how it smelled up the house.

Once there was the worlds largest frog, at least is seemed to be at the time, that escaped John's bedroom. It hopped all the way downstairs into Mom and Dads bedroom on the night that Dad and John left for a fishing trip to Canada. It was around midnight when that frog kept trying to hop back up the stairs and scared Mom and Annie. It was Mom that turned on the light and put the big frog outside. It was the one frog that got away!

The fishing trips to Canada were one of John's favorite summer trips. Dad, John and friends would pack up and make an annual trip to catch fish so our family and friends could have a fish fry at our farm in the summer. All of the guys were proud to share their bounty for our legendary summer event. The fish tales were many. Memories of Red frying crispy fish, corn cooked in the husk in the open fire, marshmallows, beer and Bluegrass music makes everyone reminiscent of those days.

John's first bundle of joy came along, Kellie. He was a proud young father that loved his daughter. Then 6 years later his second bundle of joy was a son, John, who was honored with his name. Though life he learned there is no greater love like what you feel when you have children. Then a new love entered his life, grandchildren. They call him "Pop". It is the same endearment that Kellie and John called their Grandfather, Bob. He always had a sweet surprise for the grand-kids and they ate it while playing in the back of his big truck. John was proud of them and his stories of his visits held so much love and amazement. His heart was full.

Much of John's life was like a country song. Stories of love, family and good times with friends. He loved his big red truck, that you needed a step ladder to get in, and he loved his best friend, his dog, She went everywhere with him. There wasn't any kind of equipment or machinery that John didn't have and most of it came of auctions that was his favorite past time.

Being an outdoor guy he enjoyed gardening and having chickens and ducks. Nature was where he felt at most home. He always was there for those who needed him, friends with everyone, and had a smile that let you know he knew something you didn't! John was know as "Big John" the gentle giant. He was all about God and country and spoke his mind. He was the best father he could be and a wonderful grandpa, good friend, brother and son. But it was always the outdoors and the peace and quiet of nature where he felt grounded.

During his battle with cancer he headed outside at 2:30 am in his bare feet. When Kellie and Carolyn caught up with him and asked where he was going he said, "I am going outside to talk to God.". It was in nature that he felt closest to God and now as our family says, John is with Dad, Uncle Ted, Aunt Phyllis, and cousins Roger and Randy and so many others on that big fishing trip in heaven. Godspeed to you John.

John is preceded in death by his father, Bobby Dale Aldridge, Uncle Ted and Aunt Oma Aldridge, Aunt Phyllis Timberlake, cousins Roger Aldridge and Randy Aldridge. He is survived by his daughter Kellie (Chris) Goldsberry and grandchildren MaKayla, Breanna, Erin and Jackson, Son, John Aldridge, Mother, Charlotte Bigony, Sisters, Carolyn (Doug) Rigsby, nephews Justin and Mason, Bonnie ( Glenn) Biggs and nephew Parker. Annie (Dave) Wolfer, other aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews and many, many friends.

As soon as the restrictions are lifted we will post the time and place we will all meet to give John the send off he deserves.