John W. Hizey

John W. Hizey, 83, passed away on Friday, December 5, 2025, in Columbus, Ohio. He was born on Wednesday, January 21, 1942, to the late Tazwell and A. Irene (Shell) Hizey.

He was raised on a farm off of Snyder Church Road, and he enjoyed working with and raising pigs in his younger years. John was a graduate of Liberty Union High School in 1960. John met Phyllis Ann Hill at Weldon’s Ice Cream Parlour in Millersport, and they got married on March 31, 1962. He was very active in the 4-H Community— he started with exhibiting guinea pigs in the 60s and went on to judge guinea pigs several years later. John had the privilege of travelling around the United States, helping mentor those who wanted to learn how to judge guinea pigs. He was a 4-H Leader in Fairfield County for over 28 years.

John and Phyllis enjoyed going to flea markets and even helped out vendors if they needed it. You could also find them going to different restaurants where they were known as the ‘best adopted grandparents’ by several of the employees.

He was a big animal lover and shared his love for small animals with his grandchildren, Elizabeth and Nathan. John was very proud of his grandson, Nathan, who is currently an SSgt in the United States Army.

John is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Phyllis; children, Scott Allan (MaryBeth) Hizey and Kristen (SFC Burke) Rife; grandchildren, Nathan Alexander Hizey and Elizabeth Ann Hizey; nephew, Jason (Cassie) Lucy, and great-nephew, Aiden Lucy. He was preceded in death by his parents, Tazwell and A. Irene Hizey, and sisters, Lois and Rita Hizey.

A funeral service will take place on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, at 10:30 AM at the Frank E. Smith Funeral Home Chapel, 405 N. Columbus Street, Lancaster, OH 43130. Friends and family may visit on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, from 6-8 pm at the funeral home. Burial will follow the service at Union Evangelical Cemetery in Baltimore, Ohio.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in John’s name to Fairfield County 4-H, PO Box 564, Lancaster, OH 43130.

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