John Edward Maines 78 of Sandusky Ohio, went to be with his Lord and Savior on May 25, 2026

He passed peacefully from this earthly life at the Stein Hospice Care Center with his devoted wife Concetta and loving family by his side. Born on April 12, 1948, the son of John Wesley and Lillian Ruth (Tipper). John was a devoted Baptist who deeply loved serving his country, helping others, and sharing his love and faith of Christ with everyone he encountered. Having faced many struggles in life he had compassion towards others, offering encouragement and sharing his testimony so others would come to believe. John was a true example of being a Fisherman of Christ.

John attended Sandusky High School prior to volunteering to serve his country at the age of 17, he bravely and proudly served his country as a United States Marine in the Artillery Division during the Vietnam War from July 1965 to July 1969, several years later he earned his GED & received an honorary diploma from Sandusky High School. 

After his service he was a member of the UAW-Laborers Union, John worked in construction for many years, a highlight of this was helping with the construction of the Davis-Besse Nuclear Power Plant, taking immense pride in this. He later continued his love of country serving his fellow veterans by working at The Ohio Veterans Home for 29 years, retiring in 2009. He was a life member of the Sandusky VFW post 2529 serving as post Commander 1986-1987. The D.A.V Chapter 16 and the A.M.V.E.T.S post #17.  He was part of the local VA support group where he found great comfort and strength. 

Even in retirement, John remained active and hardworking. For seven years, he worked as a first mate with Shore Nuf Charters, he formed many deep friendships while continuing to share his testimony and faith with those around him. John wanted his legacy to be one of a deep, unwavering Christian faith that he passed along to his family, children, grandchildren, and friends. He was fiercely loyal, sensitive, loving, and tender-hearted with a playful spirit and infectious smile. He was a faithful member of Calvary Baptist Church in Sandusky, Ohio. Throughout his life, John dedicated himself to his church community through prayer groups, Bible studies, and AWANA children’s ministry.

John's pride and joy was his grandchildren, he was their biggest supporter, and he took immense pride in cheering them on in all their activities and sports. He loved traveling both abroad and around the country, he went to Greece, the Holy Lands , the Caribbean, Hawaii, Maine, and Yellowstone. He loved creating memories with family and friends through fishing trips, cruises, RV adventures, and spending time with his race family following the Super modified, world of outlaw sprint cars and late model divisions. John held a special place in his heart for hiking stating “the higher he climbed, the closer he felt to God.”

John is survived by his loving wife and longtime  friend Concetta M, Shroyer-Maines, his loving daughter, Alicia (Matt)  ; his stepchildren, Consetta VI, Natalie (Thomas), Michael (Jennifer), April (Donald), and Amanda; his grandchildren, John Mark  , Claire , Ellyana , Brantly, step grandchildren, Consetta VII, Luciano, Domonick, James IV, Vincent, Oliver, Evee, Leah, Ezekiel, Kia, and Sage; his siblings,  Amy, Melorah, John Wesley , Pat (Denis), and Pam (Gary); along with numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and many cherished friends.

He was preceded in death by his loving devoted wife of 44 years, Hester Elouise Ramsey-Maines (2020): his mother, Lillian “Ruth” Hughes; and his sister, Charlotte.

We rejoice in knowing John is now in Heaven, welcomed with gates swinging wide open and safely in the arms of Jesus, reuniting with those who passed before him. His family will forever be grateful for the legacy he leaves behind and hope to continue making him proud each day.

Visitation will be held on Monday June 1st at 11:30 am until the time of service at 1:00 pm at the Calvary Baptist Church 1810 E. Perkins Ave Sandusky, where John's dear friend Pastor David L. Hixton will be officiating. Burial will be in the Meadow Green Memorial Park, Huron, OH. The American Legion Post # 83 and the V.F.W. Post # 2529 will conduct Military honors. In lieu of flowers the family suggests the memorial contributions may be made to the Calvary Baptist Church camp scholarship fund 1810 E Perkins Ave. Sandusky, OH, or Walleyes for Wounded Heros P.O. Box 885 Port Clinton OH, 43452

Arrangements are entrusted to David F Koch Funeral and cremation services 520 Columbus Ave, Sandusky, OH 

Your memories and words of comfort may be shared with John's family at davidkoch.com