John Zerkel, Sr.

John Louis Zerkel, Sr. "Big John", age 85 of Dayton, Ohio, passed away Saturday, March 6, 2021 at Hospice of Dayton. He was born February 22, 1936 in Dayton to the late Harry and Arvella Zerkel.

Along with his parents, John was preceded in death by his wife of 49 years, Carolyn Zerkel; infant daughter; son, John L. Zerkel, Jr.; brothers, Tom Zerkel and Ned Zerkel.

John will be missed by his daughters, Sharon (Robert) Hampton and Teresa Zerkel; grandchildren, Leigha (Kyle) Austin, Shannon Miller, Tony Thompson, Ryan Wilbur, Shara Wilbur, Angie Hampton, Jennifer Hampton and Paige Hampton; great-grandsons, Shane and Miles; brother, Don (Sandy) Zerkel; and many other extended family members.

John was a loving husband, father, grandfather and an over-all caring man. He was devoted to his wife, Carolyn and raised his granddaughter, Leigha. John always looked out for and supported the underdog. He served in the U.S. Army and retired from Allied Pest Control. He was a member of the Church of the Transfiguration Catholic Church. John never met a stranger and knew someone everywhere he went. He was a great cook, loved Hank Williams Sr. and Jr., cigars and Miller Highlife Light. John especially loved his dogs and all animals. He will be dearly missed by his family and all who knew him.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, March 12, 2021 at the Church of the Transfiguration Catholic Church, 972 South Miami Street, West Milton, Ohio where visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial Calvary Cemetery. To view the Funeral Mass live, visit www.transfigurationcatholicchurch.org. Arrangements entrusted to Newcomer North Chapel, Dayton.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to SICSA Pet Adoption and Wellness Center, 8172 Washington Church Rd., Washington Twp., Ohio 45458.

To share a memory of John or leave a special message for his family, please click the "Share Memories" button above.