John Wiles

John Harry Wiles, age 83, of Lucas died Friday morning at Hospice House in Ashland, Ohio following an extended illness. Mr. Wiles was born December 5, 1924 in Frederick Co. MD to Harry V. and Blanch M. Wiles and came to Ohio in 1941. He served in the U. S. Army in the South Pacific during WWII. After his discharge from the service he lived in both Mansfield and Lucas. John worked at Westinghouse Electric, Mansfield Rapid Transit, and retired with 30 years service at the Ohio State Reformatory in 1988.

Mr. Wiles was a very active member of Lincoln Heights Baptist Church where he served as a greeter, usher, teller, and also at the Men's Prayer Breakfast. John enjoyed tinkering and fixing things, as well as mushroom hunting and hot peppers. Everyone loved and will miss his sense of humor. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him. Most of all he was a loving husband and father who was dedicated, kind, and sincere.

Surviving are his wife of 35 years, Jean E. Ernsberger Bishop Wiles whom he married July 28, 1973; three daughters, Vivian Mike Kitts Wilson of Mansfield, Cassandra Phillip Baker of Perrysville, and Carla Ryan Weber of Mansfield; two sons, Larry Deb Wiles of Mansfield and Michael Mary Carlise; seventeen grandchildren; nineteen great-grandchildren; two sisters, Louise Bair of Baltimore, MD, and Mildred Brown of Walkersville, MD; four step-children, Karen William Foor, Charlot Mike DeNerro Gleisinger, Dawn Mike Scott, and Russell Barb Bishop all of Mansfield; and his beloved dog, "Teddy". He was preceded in death by his parents, three sisters, Lillian Blentlinger, Elizabeth Dorsey, and Mary; and three brothers, Paul, Earl, and Roy Wiles.

Friends may call Tuesday July 8, 2008 from 5-8 p.m. at the Diamond Street Home of Wappner Funeral Directors. Funeral services will be held Wednesday July 9, 2008 at 1:00 p.m. at the funeral home, conducted by Pastor Mike Wilson. Burial will be in Mt. Zion Cemetery, where military graveside services will be conducted by the Joint Veteran's Council. Memorial contributions may be made to Lincoln Heights Baptist Church.