CHILLICOTHE, Ohio: John Ellett Herrnstein peacefully passed on at 12:03 am, October 3, 2017, with his beloved wife at his bedside and surrounded by his family.
John was born on March 31, 1938, in Hampton Virginia to William and Mary (Ellett) Herrnstein. John married his high school sweetheart, Barbara Harness, 60 years ago, who survives.
John is also survived by 5 children, 14 grandchildren, 2 step-grandchildren, and 8 great-grandchildren.
His children are: John (Patti) Herrnstein, Susan (Dan) McManus, Karen Rinehart, Seth (Karen) Herrnstein, and Kristin Cooper.
His grandchildren are: Katie (Rob) Vizmeg, Kara (David Boylan) Herrnstein, Chad Herrnstein, Trent (Yasmine) Herrnstein, Sierra McManus, Nick McManus, Logan (Molly) Rinehart, Danika Rinehart, Jeremy (Brittanie) Herrnstein, Kelsey (Chris) Fuller, Megan Herrnstein, Justin Herrnstein, Jordan Herrnstein, Paul Cooper, Avery Scianamblo and Madison Scianamblo.
He is also survived by his brother, William (Susanne) Herrnstein III and several nieces and nephews.
John was pre-deceased by his parents and by his grandson, Dustin Rinehart.
After moving to Chillicothe, OH at the age of nine, John went on to graduate from Chillicothe High School in 1955 where he was an all-state athlete in football, basketball, baseball, and track. John graduated from the University of Michigan in 1960 after a distinguished athletic career as captain of the football team and pitcher/outfielder on the baseball team.
John was drafted by the Baltimore Colts of the NFL but chose a career in baseball where he played first base and outfield for the Philadelphia Phillies Organization for 7 ½ years, as well as time with the Atlanta Braves and Chicago Cubs.
Following his baseball career, John returned to Chillicothe where he worked in finance until his retirement in 2011 from Janney Montgomery Scott Investments.
John loved his city of Chillicothe and volunteered for the betterment of his community. He was twice President of the United Way-Ross County.
He was on the Board of Directors for the Good Samaritan Food Network.
He served as co-chairman of the Chillicothe City School District Building Levies for both the High School/Jr. High buildings and the Elementary Schools that are currently under construction.
John was also chairman of the Original Levy Committee for the Chillicothe Parks and Recreation Department.
Much of his leisure time was spent with his family, playing and coaching various sports, especially baseball and tennis, and taking daily walks or cycling.
John's family wants to thank his many wonderful health care providers for their excellent care, as well as his friends for their thoughts, prayers, calls and visits during the past months.
Per John's wishes and consistent with his modest demeanor, there will be no calling hours.
A small, private memorial will be held at a future date.
Arrangements are under the direction of the WARE FUNERAL HOME. You may sign his online register at www.warefh.com
John was born on March 31, 1938, in Hampton Virginia to William and Mary (Ellett) Herrnstein. John married his high school sweetheart, Barbara Harness, 60 years ago, who survives.
John is also survived by 5 children, 14 grandchildren, 2 step-grandchildren, and 8 great-grandchildren.
His children are: John (Patti) Herrnstein, Susan (Dan) McManus, Karen Rinehart, Seth (Karen) Herrnstein, and Kristin Cooper.
His grandchildren are: Katie (Rob) Vizmeg, Kara (David Boylan) Herrnstein, Chad Herrnstein, Trent (Yasmine) Herrnstein, Sierra McManus, Nick McManus, Logan (Molly) Rinehart, Danika Rinehart, Jeremy (Brittanie) Herrnstein, Kelsey (Chris) Fuller, Megan Herrnstein, Justin Herrnstein, Jordan Herrnstein, Paul Cooper, Avery Scianamblo and Madison Scianamblo.
He is also survived by his brother, William (Susanne) Herrnstein III and several nieces and nephews.
John was pre-deceased by his parents and by his grandson, Dustin Rinehart.
After moving to Chillicothe, OH at the age of nine, John went on to graduate from Chillicothe High School in 1955 where he was an all-state athlete in football, basketball, baseball, and track. John graduated from the University of Michigan in 1960 after a distinguished athletic career as captain of the football team and pitcher/outfielder on the baseball team.
John was drafted by the Baltimore Colts of the NFL but chose a career in baseball where he played first base and outfield for the Philadelphia Phillies Organization for 7 ½ years, as well as time with the Atlanta Braves and Chicago Cubs.
Following his baseball career, John returned to Chillicothe where he worked in finance until his retirement in 2011 from Janney Montgomery Scott Investments.
John loved his city of Chillicothe and volunteered for the betterment of his community. He was twice President of the United Way-Ross County.
He was on the Board of Directors for the Good Samaritan Food Network.
He served as co-chairman of the Chillicothe City School District Building Levies for both the High School/Jr. High buildings and the Elementary Schools that are currently under construction.
John was also chairman of the Original Levy Committee for the Chillicothe Parks and Recreation Department.
Much of his leisure time was spent with his family, playing and coaching various sports, especially baseball and tennis, and taking daily walks or cycling.
John's family wants to thank his many wonderful health care providers for their excellent care, as well as his friends for their thoughts, prayers, calls and visits during the past months.
Per John's wishes and consistent with his modest demeanor, there will be no calling hours.
A small, private memorial will be held at a future date.
Arrangements are under the direction of the WARE FUNERAL HOME. You may sign his online register at www.warefh.com