John W. Staker, 87, entered into the Gates of Heaven surrounded by his loving family on Friday, Nov. 6, 2009.

He was the son of the late George and Elizabeth Rase Staker. John was born on Jan. 21, 1922, in Powellsville, Ohio. He was a 1939 graduate of Green High School and attended Capital University and Ohio State University where he was a member of the ROTC.

John was a lifelong member of St. John Lutheran Church where he served for many years on the church council. He sang in the church choir for 70 years.

He worked for 25 years for Green Local Schools where he was a much respected bus driver. John was also a charter member of the Green Township Volunteer Fire Department.

John was preceded in death by his brother, Paul H. Staker; and his sisters, Virginia S. Bateson and Marilyn S. Perdue.

John is survived by his faithful and beloved wife of 64 years, Jean Kuehne Staker. They were married Dec. 16, 1945, at St. John Lutheran Church by the late Rev. Elmer Hoffman.

He is also survived by five adoring daughters, Kendra (Ed) Hughes of Portsmouth, Karyn (Dale) Sexton of Ashland, Ky., Kathy Jane Staker of St. Albans, W.Va., Kay Staker, at home, and Connie (David) Conley of Ashland, Ky.; six grandchildren, Matt (Denise) Young of Wadsworth, Chris (Marla) Young of Seaman, Rebekah (Mike) Nath of Winter Park, Fla., Megan (Josh) Daniel of Ashland, Ky., Tara Sexton of Columbus and John David Conley of Ashland, Ky.; six great-grandchildren; several stepgrandchildren and stepgreat-grandchildren; and a sister-in-law, Jessie R. Staker.

John was a kind and gentle man who was respected by many and who will be fondly remembered by his family and a host of relatives and friends. John spent his entire life living and working on the farm where he was born.

Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2009, at St. John Lutheran Church, with Pastor Charles Plummer officiating. Burial will be at St. John’s Cemetery. Friends may call at Harrison-Pyles Funeral Home in Wheelersburg from 5 to 8 p.m. Monday and one hour before the service on Tuesday at the church.

Memorial contributions may be sent to St. John Lutheran Church.