John Owen Dunfee

Born in Huntington, West Virginia, John built a beautiful life in Columbus, Ohio, with the love of his life and best friend, Tami, his wife of nearly 50 years. Family and friends admired their love story. Together they built not only a beautiful, loving marriage and family, but also multiple homes with their own hands, filling each one with love, laughter, and unwavering devotion.

John is survived by his beloved wife, Tami; his son, Andy Dunfee (Cristina Crimaldi); his daughter, Amie Dunfee (Christian Rattin); and the five grandchildren who brought him endless pride and joy: Charlotte & Elliot Bland, Samson Dunfee, and Kyla & Isabel Rattin. Brothers Greg (Vicki) Dunfee, Michael (Lora) Dunfee, and sister Missy (Doug) Martin; sisters and brothers-in-law Debbie (Jay) Huffman, Mark (Janet) Fox, Christy Eastwood, Cindy (Michael) Gloyne, Kathy Jacobsen, Greg (Georgia) Fox; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert & Barbara Dunfee; parents-in-law, Carl & Patricia Fox; sister-in-law, Kelly O'Neill; and brother-in-law, Steve Eastwood.

Construction wasn’t simply John’s career, it was who he was. He spent his entire life building. Whether it was a house, a deck, a Barbie house complete with tile floors and cedar shingles, or helping family with a project, he never hesitated to lend his time, talent, or strength. If someone needed something built or repaired, John was there. He was the hardest worker anyone knew, and he gave generously without expecting anything in return.

John had a heart every bit as big as his work ethic. He loved being on the water; relaxing with a few Bud Lights;starting each morning with a cup of Folgers coffee;watching his grandkids play soccer, football, baseball or basketball; and participating in family game night, but only by shouting out answers from the corner of the room instead of actually participating in the game. He adored dogs, especially his granddogs.

Anyone who knew John remembers his unmistakable low, raspy voice and West Virginia accent. More than once, family joked that he needed subtitles when he talked—but somehow, even when you couldn’t understand every word, you always understood his heart. His laugh, his smirk hidden under his white mustache, and his presence made everyone feel at home.

Above all else, John loved Tami. Through nearly five decades of marriage, she was his greatest joy, his partner in every adventure, and the love of his life. Together they built an extraordinary family, and that legacy will continue through the children and grandchildren who will forever carry his strength, kindness, humor, and generous spirit.

John leaves behind a home filled with memories, projects built with his own hands, and countless lives made better because he was always willing to help. Though his voice has fallen silent, his love, his craftsmanship, and the example he set will endure for generations.

The world lost a builder, a husband, a dad, a Pappy, a brother, and a friend. But heaven gained one of the hardest-working men we’ve ever known. He will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.