John Daniel Meese

John D. Meese, age 81, passed away June 16th at Adena Medical Center, Chillicothe OH, due to sudden illness.  He was born in Troy New York to Clarence Ray Meese and Virginia Elizabeth Kelley Meese.

Survived by loving wife Jane Cannizzaro Meese, son C. Ray Meese, daughter-in-law Deborah Meese, grandson John Daniel Meese, sisters-in-law Ardis Kelley, Jennifer Bolen, Mary Cannizzaro; brothers-in-law John and Richard Cannizzaro, nephews James Kelley (Cathy), John Kelley (Rosita), Michael Kelley (Ruth), and Anthony Cannizzaro, nieces Kelly Kelley and Kimberly Cannizzaro,  and his cat buddy Patches.

Preceded in death by his parents, his brother James M. Kelley, and his brother-in-law Charles E. Bolen.

John was senior professor at DeVry University in the Electronics Engineering Technology

Department for 31 years.  For a few years, he served as the Department Chairman.  He wrote curriculum to meet the needs of business and industry entities that needed specialized employees.  He was one of a team of instructors who designed curriculum for General Motors when they were switching out their CAD-CAM program.

He served in the U.S. Navy on aircraft carriers, as Aviation Electrician’s Mate, from August 1959 to June 1967 (8 years) aboard the USS Saratoga CVA 60 and the USS Ranger.  He also had training in electronics for nuclear weapons.  He served during the Cuban Missile Crisis and the Vietnam War.  When thanked for his service, John always said: “Glad to do it.”

For several years, John volunteered as Logistics Officer for Ohio Wing Civil Air Patrol.  He was also part of a ground search and rescue team, and re-designed and equipped the interior of a military ambulance to carry search supplies.

Always ready to help family, friends and neighbors, John was generous with his time and resources.

He respected the nature and instincts of all kinds of animals.  He loved his dogs, and rescued 3 cats and numerous birds- in-trouble.

John had many interests.

Motorcycles – he was an expert rider.  He and wife, Jane, did most of their traveling on a motorcycle.  He re-constructed several kinds of motorcycles.

The Great Outdoors – With the help of family and friends, John cleared a place in the middle of 5-acres of crown forest in Hocking Hills, Ohio, in order to build a house and pole barn.  He used his tractor, Kubota, and other equipment to gravel and grade the dirt road access, plow snow, clear drains, mow, and deal with lots of leaves.  He was good with a chain saw and built equipment to help with logging.  He utilized everything he could from the land.

Wine making – John was known for his delicious wines which he gave, mostly, to family and friends.

John also enjoyed photography, cooking, woodworking, hunting, fishing, sewing and vehicle maintenance.

Caring Cremation™ has taken place. A memorial service, officiated by Rev. Bryan Duty will take place on July 10, 2023 at 11AM at the Frank E. Smith Funeral Home, 405 N. Columbus St. Lancaster, OH 43130.  Inurnment will take place at the columbarium at Maple Grove Cemetery following the service with Military Honors by the Lancaster Veteran Burial Detail. Family and friends may call one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in John’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association, 644 Linn St #106, Cincinnati, OH 45203.  Online condolences can be made at www.funeralhome.com