John Putman

John W. Putman, 92, of Rushsylvania, died early Monday morning, October 24, 2016 at the Logan Acres Care Center in Bellefontaine.

He was born December 8, 1923 in Toledo, Ohio, son of David and Florence (Krock) Putman. He married Betty Jeanne Wilson on January 26, 1948 at the Wilson home.

John enlisted in the U.S. Army in March of 1942. In May he saw a notice on the company bulletin board for volunteers for the Army Air Corp. He raised his hand and headed to gunnery training school in Las Vegas, Nevada. He completed 42 bombing missions over Europe as a B-17 Tail Gunner. In 1945 he was released from active duty and headed to Detroit, MI to work. In August of 1946 he re-enlisted in the Air Force where he remained until 1966. John was honorably discharged with the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Purple Heart among other medals. He loved his time of service and often talked about all the places he had been. John also dedicated 20 years of service at Siemens Electric in both Marysville and Bellefontaine and retired from there in 1986.

He was a member of the Rushsylvania Lions Club, served on the County School board and was an active member of the Rushsylvania United Methodist Church where he taught Sunday School for many years. He never got over his love of flying and enjoyed opportunities to fly privately with friends. He always enjoyed traveling and he and Jeanne did much of it during their retirement years. Survivors include a daughter, Jo Anne (Jerry) Harshbarger of Tennessee and Mark (Lori) Putman of Pennsylvania, 8 grandchildren: Lori Stahler, Chris Carey of Ohio, Jennifer (Darby) Beck of Pennsylvania, Jessica Putman-Villalba (Eddie) of Colorado, John (Damaris) Putman of Texas, Carrie Morda, Aimee (Kevin) Maziarz, Matt (Krissa) Putman of Pennsylvania; many great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren.

He was proceeded in death by his wife, Betty Jeanne (Wilson) Putman in 2001.

Calling hours will be Wednesday, from 5 to 7pm at the Rushsylvania United Methodist Church, 152 Rush St. Rushsylvania, OH 43347 . The funeral will be also be at the church on Thursday at 11:00 AM with Pastor Scott Miller officiating. Burial will follow at the Rushsylvania Cemetery with military honors provided by the Logan County Veterans Honor Guard.

Eichholtz Daring & Sanford Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Bellefontaine assisted the family with arrangements.

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