Tuesday, February 18th, 2025
John Dillehay
John "Jack" Lewis Dillehay, age 87, of Sioux Street, Fort Loramie, passed away peacefully of natural causes Thursday afternoon, February 13, 2025, at Ohio's Hospice of Dayton in Dayton, Ohio. He was born, May 12, 1937, in Piqua, Ohio, to the late James L. & Mildred (Taylor) Dillehay. On May 2, 1986, at St. Michael Catholic Church in Fort Loramie, Jack married Ruby "Polly" (Pemberton) Dillehay who preceded him in death on February 26, 2011.
Surviving are two stepchildren, Diane Roth of Celina and Barbara Rogers of Rockford as well as eight step-grandchildren and their families; one sister, Jo Ann Heil of Dayton and a brother-in-law, Ralph Meyer of St. Henry along with 12 nieces and nephews, numerous extended family and close friends.
He was preceded in death by one step son, David Taylor and a step son-in-law, Tom Rogers; two siblings, James A. & Patricia Dillehay and Jean Meyer (Jack's twin) as well as a brother-in-law, Steve Heil.
Mr. Dillehay was a 1955 graduate of Fort Loramie High School. He attended Ohio University for one year before joining the United States Army. He was stationed in Germany from 1956 to 1958. After his return, he attended The University of Dayton and received his Bachelor of Education Degree in 1963. While teaching, he continued his education to earn his Master's Degree from Central Michigan University in 1974. Jack was a dedicated teacher and coach for a combined 26 years at St. Joseph School in Wapakoneta and Houston High School. He was a member of Michael Catholic Church and the Fort Loramie American Legion Post 355.
Jack and the love of his life, Polly, were blessed to share in 25 wonderful years of marriage. Together, they enjoyed traveling and exploring art galleries and museums. Jack was also an avid sports fan. He loved to watch, listen, and follow local sports teams, as well as, The University of Dayton, Notre Dame, and Major League Baseball. He was also active for many years in a Fantasy Baseball League.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:30 AM, Thursday, February 20, 2025, at St. Michael Catholic Church in Fort Loramie with Rev. Alex Biryomumeisho presiding. Interment will follow at St. Michael Cemetery. Family and friends may call Wednesday, 3:00 to 7:00 PM and Thursday, 9:00 to 10:00 AM at Gehret Funeral Home in Fort Loramie.
Memorials in Jack's memory may be made to the Hardin-Houston High School Athletic Department (5300 Houston Rd., Houston, OH 45333) or the Lake Loramie Improvement Association (P.O. Box 80, Minster, OH 45865). Private condolences may be expressed at the gehretfuneralhome.com website.
