John R. Sauner Sr.

He was born July 7, 1938, in Akron, Ohio, to parents John L. and Vivian (Reed) Sauner. John worked as a tool and die maker, retiring from Weather Chem in Twinsburg. He also worked at Ferriot Brothers and Goodyear. However, his main passion was JRS School of Scuba. John taught scuba diving for 32 years at Kent State University, Kent Roosevelt High School, and also gave private lessons. He was president of the Ohio Council of Skin and Scuba Divers in 1974-75. He was a member of Riverwood Community Chapel and an Eagle Scout, and as a scout worked at the Boy Scout’s Camp Manitoc.

John celebrated 58 years of marriage on Monday, February 8, to his beloved wife Elizabeth “Betty” (Hanan) Sauner. He is also survived by children: Denise (Dale) Sloan, Debra (Larry) Bailey, and John (Chris) Sauner Jr.; grandchildren: Lauren (Ryan) Hurley, Daniel Sloan, Adam (Amanda) Bailey, Jennifer Bailey, Alan (Theresa) Garner, David Garner, and Natalie (Jeremy) Dixon; great-grandchildren: Darwin and Truman Hurley, Brooklyn Bailey, Audrey and Olivia Garner, and Avarie Dixon; as well as his brother Tim (Olivia Agnello) Sauner.

Friends will be received Monday, February 15, 2016, from 3:00 – 5:00 PM at the Wood-Kortright-Borkoski Funeral Home, 703 E. Main St., Ravenna, with Pastor Jonny Norman presiding over the funeral service at 5:00 PM. Private burial will be at Homeland Cemetery in Rootstown.

Condolences and memories may be shared at www.wood-kortright-borkoski.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to the Kent Fire Department, Rootstown Fire Department, Coleman Adult Daycare, or Riverwood Community Chapel.