John Robert Dilling

John Robert Dilling, 93, of Seville, Ohio, passed away peacefully Monday, Feb. 7, 2022, at LifeCare Hospice in Wooster.

John was born March 5, 1928, in Altoona, the son of the late Ralph and Rose (Lower) Dilling.

He is survived by his wife of 72 years, Patricia (Holsopple) Dilling whom he married June 19, 1949; his three children: Sharon Anne Russell of Gig Harbor, Wash., Robert Martin and his wife, Sharon Dilling of Basye, Va. and Deborah Sue and her husband, Matthew Tomsheck of the home they shared in Seville, Ohio; seven grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren and a brother, David Dilling of West Lafayette, Ind.

John was preceded in death by his parents and sisters, Martha Brown and Betty Baptista.

He graduated from Lewistown High School in 1946 and from Wheaton College in 1949. In 1952, he received his Master of Divinity from Grace Theological Seminary in Indiana. He subsequently pastored the Grace Brethren Church in North Canton, Ohio for 18 years. Later receiving his Master’s Degree in Education, he taught at Louisville High School for 18 years. After teaching, he served for 18 years as the Camp Chaplain at Deer Meadow Campground in Cook’s Forest.

In retirement, (yes, yet another 18 years) he was able to pursue his woodworking hobby and was a member of the Buckeye Woodturners and the North Coast Woodturners. John was a member of Grace Brethren Church in Rittman and did pulpit supply ministry in various churches over the years.

Services were held Friday, Feb. 11, 2022, at Grace Brethren Church in Rittman. Pastors, Joe Cosentino, Bud Olszewski and Clark Genet officiated.

Burial will be held at a later date at Fairview Cemetery in Martinsburg.

Tributes may be shared at http://www.Murray-Funeral-Home.com

Memorial contributions may be made to Grace Brethren Church, 44 S. First St., Rittman, OH 44270.