John J. Neiderhouser
MT. VERNON - John Jacob Neiderhouser, 97, a resident of Country Club Retirement Center since 2006, and formerly of Danville, died March 16, 2012 at the retirement center.
He was born on April 23, 1914 in Brinkhaven to the late Will and Mossie P. (Purdy) Neiderhouser. He was the fourth of five children, having four sisters. John graduated with honors from Danville High School in 1932 and attended Hanover College (Indiana). He was a Charter Member of Danville United Methodist Church. John was an outstanding athlete in multiple sports. He was recruited by Branch Rickey to pitch in Minor League Baseball in the St. Louis Cardinal Farm system before returning home to continue to play on local Industrial Teams. He was an active tennis player into his 70's, and he continued to enjoy playing golf into his 90's.
John was married 67 years (1939) to Merry C. Griffin until her death in November 2006. They were the parents of three children: the late William D. Neiderhouser; Robert (Wilma Mortine) Neiderhouser; and Dorothy "Dee" (Tom) Mickley, both of Mt. Vernon. The Neiderhouser's raised Merry's young sister, Nancy (Jim) Spearman, who survives. He was the Grandfather of nine: Amy (Lou) Vargo; Andy (Haley) Neiderhouser; Erin (Joe) Creeden; Laurie (Matt) Waddle, Jennifer (Chris) Hedden, Ben (Molly) Neiderhouser; Christian Mickley; Jordan (Julie) Mickley; and Katie Mickley (Bill Stockard.). Twelve Great-Children also survive, as well as one sister; Marjorie Gueulette of Mt. Vernon, and a daughter-in-law; Jane (Dolittle) Neiderhouser of Marion. As John so often said, "Oh, we have a wonderful family."
In addition to his parents, wife, and son, he was preceded in death by three sisters; Dorothy O'Dell, Coralee Mitchhart, and Leona Edwards.
John retired from Pittsburgh Plate Glass Company upon its Mount Vernon plant closure. He was also self-employed at trading and hauling livestock and delivering truckloads of seasonal produce to be sold on the street in front of his home. He was known for his sincere smile and being truly happy and content with his life. A long time ago a Chautauqua passed through town and the musical minstrels taught young John to play the "bones". John was particularly happy sharing this talent and loved playing along with the musicians that regularly came to the Country Club Retirement Campus.
Words do not exist that would allow the family to adequately thank the staff and friends at Country Club Retirement Center who made John's final years such a joy. "Thank you, Angels"! Many thanks to Hospice of Knox County for the support of the care staff of CCRC, and of John in his final days, as well as his family.
Funeral services will be held at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday March 20, 2012 at the Danville United Methodist Church, with Rev. Mary Murtha officiating. Burial will follow in Workman Cemetery. Friends may call from 10:30 a.m. until service time at the church. The Fischer Funeral Home in Danville is handling arrangements. www.fischerfuneralhome.com
Memorial donations may be made to the Danville U.M.C., P.O. Box 36, Danville, OH 43014, or to Hospice of Knox Co., 17700 Coshocton Rd., Mt. Vernon, OH 43050.
Oh, how we hate to let you go "Happy Man" but thank you so much for the shared gifts. We are privileged and blessed.
