John Edward Schelby

John Edward Schelby Jr., age 83, passed away on November 19, 2025, with his beloved wife, Dorothy, by his side.

John was born on June 30, 1942, in St. Marys, Ohio, and had made Cordova, TN his home for the past 29 years.

John was preceded in death by his biological father, John Edward Schelby Sr., who was killed in action during World War II; his “Pop,” Shannon Carmean; his mother, Lila
“Dolly” Carmean; and his sister, Beverly Perez.

John is survived by his devoted wife, Dorothy (née Seewer). Their love story began with Dorothy’s first—and only—first date, celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary on
October 16 of this year.

He is also survived by his children: Laureen (Danny) Hill of Defiance, OH, Donna Schelby (Patrick Demers) of Beverly Hills, MI, Wade (Elizabeth “Liz”) Schelby of Staunton, VA, Wade’s sons, John’s grandsons, Logan and Stephen Michael; and his siblings Rebecca “Bec” (Dave) Dircksen of St. Marys, OH, Linda (Larry) Verhoff of Ottawa, OH, Vicki (Mike) Egbert, of St. Marys, OH and brother-in-law Ray Perez, Lemont, IL.

John served proudly in the United States Marine Corps from 1961 until his honorable discharge in 1967, including time stationed in Hawaii. The values he carried from his
service  — commitment, loyalty, and quiet strength — remained central to who he was.

A gifted and passionate woodworker, John found joy in creating pieces that would become treasured heirlooms. Every table, dresser, and keepsake he crafted was
thoughtfully made and lovingly shared with his family. These pieces stand as enduring reminders of his creativity, generosity, and the care he put into everything he did.

John grew up in St. Marys, Ohio, and after marrying Dorothy, the couple bought their first home together in Coldwater, Ohio. In 1976, they moved to Defiance, Ohio, for a
new career opportunity, and eventually settled in Cordova, Tennessee, where they built a warm and welcoming home.

John will be remembered for both his devotion to family and the legacy he leaves behind—both in the stories he shared and the craftsmanship he passed down. His presence will be deeply missed, and his memory forever cherished.

Services will be held on Saturday, November 29, at Zion Lutheran Church, 210 N. Wayne St., St. Marys, OH. Visitation will take place from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, followed immediately by the funeral service. The committal ceremony, with full military funeral honors, will follow at the Elm Grove Cemetery in St. Marys.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the IPF Foundation (IPFFoundation.org) are appreciated.