John R. Harpest

John R. Harpest, age 70, of Huber Heights, Ohio, passed away on Sunday, March 30, 2025, at Hospice of Dayton surrounded by family after a lengthy, hard-fought battle with a rare cancer. He was born on April 24, 1954, in Dayton to Robert Harpest Sr. and Theresa Ann (May) Harpest. His parents preceded him in death, as well as his beloved dogs, Rosco and Kodi.

John is survived by his wife of 52 years, Brenda Lynn (Benthall) Harpest; two daughters, Yolanda (Mike) Evers and their children, Zoey and Kyndal; Kyleigh (Austin Kossoudji) and great-grandsons AJ and Kystin; Alexia (Matthew) Schwab and their children, Carter, Tolek, and Gracelynn; his brother Bob (Dyan) Harpest and their children Robby, Lindsay, Christie and Cara and John’s two favorite dogs, Harpo and Bryndy, his black labs.

John was a Project Manager and Lighting Designer who worked on many memorable projects around the country. He also served on the IES International Board, where he had the honor of judging lighting projects from around the world. John was a life-long member of the Dayton Masonic Lodge #147. Being a dedicated electrical engineer at heart John retired twice and in his final months served Wright State as a project manager.

The family will hold a visitation on Friday, April 4, 2025, from 4:00pm to 5:00pm at Newcomer North Chapel, 4104 Needmore Road, in Dayton, Ohio, with the service starting at 5:00pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his honor to the Children’s Dyslexia Center of Dayton https://www.childrensdyslexiacenterofdayton.org or the Animal Resource Center of Montgomery County https://mcanimals.org/get-involved/.

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