John William Worthington

John was a funny, caring, and loving man who had a special way of making people smile. He was a faithful member of Tyndall United Methodist Church, attending regularly until he was no longer able to and was loved by many who had the privilege of knowing him.

John worked at JII/Shaw Barton’s until the company closed. He then went to work at Walmart, where he especially enjoyed greeting every person who walked through the doors. His friendly smile, kind heart, and ability to make people laugh made him a familiar and beloved face to many.

John married his wife, Jessie (McKnight) Worthington, on January 1, 1972. They shared 37 years together before Jessie preceded him in death on June 21, 2008. Their love remained an important part of John’s life.

John loved hosting his family on Christmas Eve. He also loved the outdoors, especially fishing and hunting for mushrooms, deer and coons. In his younger years, he enjoyed building and racing race cars with his brother, Bob. John enjoyed the Coshocton County Fair, and he was always happiest when he was spending time with the people he loved, making memories and enjoying the simple things in life.

John is survived by his special niece, Deeann Worthington (Brittney), with whom he shared a particularly close bond. John and Deeann enjoyed their Walmart trips and McDonald’s outings together, and some of their favorite times were spent turning up the music and singing along to old country songs. Their special relationship brought John many happy moments and cherished memories. He is also survived by his step-children, Jack (Janet) Myers, Jane Ann (Steve) Cornett of Coshocton, and Penny (Dan) Durben of Columbus; step-grandchildren, Kevin Selders, Karla (Doug) Schaefer, Brian (Sherry) Myers, TJ Myers, Nathan (Sherry) Myers, and Joey Simmons; eight step-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Along with his parents and his beloved wife, Jessie, John was preceded in death by his brothers, Robert and Charles Worthington, and his step-daughter and step-son-in-law, Sandy and Gerald Simmons and special cousin Ernie “Butch” Huber.

John will be remembered for his wonderful sense of humor, his caring heart, his love for others, and the joy he brought to the people around him. He leaves behind many cherished memories and will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all those who had the pleasure of knowing him.

“Until we meet again, keep the music playing and the old country songs singing.”

Calling hours will be held on Friday, October 9, 2026, from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm at Given-Dawson-Paisley Funeral Home. A graveside service will follow at 12:30 pm at Tyndall Cemetery with Evangelist Sheldon Mencer officiating. Light refreshments will follow at the Mission 3:16 Tyndall Church for family and friends.

For those who wish, memorial donations may be made in John’s name to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research and or to Mission 3:16 Tyndall Church.

An online memorial can be viewed at given-dawson-paisleyfh.com.