John C. Napier, Jr.

     John C. Napier, Jr., 77, of Chillicothe, passed at 12:42 p.m. Saturday, February 24, 2024 in the Adena Regional Medical Center following an extended illness.

     He was born September 22, 1946, in Huntington, WV, to the late John Cameron Sr. and Pearlene Mullen Napier.  On June 19, 1965, he married the former Wilma Jean Rich who passed August 29, 2015. 

     Surviving are children, Patricia (David) Napier-Spriggs, Christina Riffe and Christopher (DawnAnn) Napier, all of Chillicothe; a friend, whom he considered a son, Kyle Thacker; grandchildren, Jessica, Josh, Alyssa, Brandon, Cameron, Alex, Klaria, Trynatie, and Penelopy Napier and Kaden and Bella Riffe; great grandchildren, Laila, Hopelynn, Ayden, Damen, Sterling, Amelia, Jaxon, Josiah, and Amari; former son-in-law, Bill Riffe, of Chillicothe; sisters, Donna (Max) Crow, of Huntington, WV and Ann “Doodie” Steele, of Chillicothe; and several nieces and nephews.  In addition to his wife and parents, he was predeceased by a son, John Napier III; a great grandson, Elias Martin; a sister, Sharon Bellomy, a brother, David Napier, and a nephew, Mont Steele; and his faithful companion, his beloved dog, Tember.

     John, a United States Army veteran, served during the Vietnam War as a helicopter mechanic.  In 2018, he retired from the Mead where he had worked for 30 years.  John was a member of American Legion Post 717 in North Ridgeville, Ohio and VFW Post 108.  John was a diehard Cleveland Browns and Indians fan and also enjoyed rooting on the Buckeyes.

     Funeral services will be held 10 a.m. Tuesday, March 5, 2024 in the WARE FUNERAL HOME with his Brother-in-Law, Max Crow officiating.  Burial will follow in Grandview Cemetery where military graveside rites will be conducted by the Ross County Veterans Honor Guard.  Visitation for family and friends will be held in the WARE FUNERAL HOME from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday, March 4, 2024. 

     You may sign his online register at www.warefh.com   

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