John B. Syx

Interment will be held Tuesday, May 10th at 2:30 pm at Toledo Memorial Park

John Bernard Syx, age 84, of Swanton, Ohio, passed away peacefully, with his loving wife of 61 years, Versila at his bedside, Wednesday afternoon, May 4, 2016, at Swanton Health Care and Retirement Center. John was born September 12, 1931 in Toledo, Ohio to the late Bernard and Ruth (Peters) Syx. John graduated from Toledo DeVilbiss High School and attended the University of Toledo and obtained his Bachelors of Education Degree, and later his Masters of Education Degree in Administration. John served in the U.S. Navy Reserves, and married his beloved wife, Versila Payne on September 4, 1954.

John began his teaching career with the Ida (Michigan) Public School District from 1955-1958. He went on to be Principal for the Otsego Local School District from 1959-1961. He served as Superintendent for Gorham Fayette Schools from 1961-1967 and Swanton Local Schools from 1967-1986. He rounded out his career as the Village of Swanton Administrator, where he served for 15 years, until his retirement in 2003.

John was a very active 40-year member of the Swanton Rotary Club, serving as Past President and Past Assistant District Governor, and awarded perfect attendance year after year. He was also a 40-year member of the Swanton Area Chamber of Commerce, serving as Past President and on the Christmas in Swanton Committee. He served as President of the Anne Grady Corporation from 1990-2000, and an active Board Member from 1985-2015.

Besides being active in the Swanton civic community, he was also very involved with Trinity United Methodist Church in Swanton, where he taught Sunday School for many years. He enjoyed traveling, theatre, reading and spending time with his family and many friends over the years. He shared his gregariousness and sense of humor with everyone, always with a story or joke at the ready. He also shared his compassion and concern for others with many kind acts for students, employees, friends and family, without fanfare or self-regard. Always both the student and teacher, John read scholarly tomes of the U.S. Presidents throughout his retirement and enjoyed sharing little-known aspects of each man. He instilled in both his daughters the axiom that learning is a life-long process.

John will be greatly missed by his wife, Versila; daughters, Deborah Syx and Susan Simmons; grandson, Aaron (Sascha) Simmons; and great-granddaugthers, Ainsley and Anniston Simmons.

Special thanks to Swanton Health Care for their compassionate service, and Pastor J.T. Bean for his many visits and spiritual support.

Family and friends may visit Monday, May 9th from 2 to 8 p.m., at the Weigel Funeral Home, 204 Chestnut St. in Swanton (419.826.2631). Visitation will continue Tuesday, May 10th from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Trinity United Methodist Church, 210 N. Main St., where funeral services will begin at 11:00 a.m., with Pastor J.T. Bean officiating. A luncheon will immediately follow the service and interment will take place at 2:30 p.m. at Toledo Memorial Park.

Memorial contributions may be made to Trinity United Methodist Church, American Cancer Society or American Diabetes Foundation.

We'll always love and miss you Pop Pop!

Residence: Swanton, Ohio

Visitation: Monday, May 9th from 2 to 8 pm at the Weigel Funeral Home in Swanton

Funeral Service: Tuesday, May 10th at 11:00 am at Trinity United Methodist Church, followed immediately with a luncheon