Jon M. Els

Jon M. Els of West Lafayette passed away peacefully at his family’s home in Warsaw on March 27, 2025, just one day shy of his 90th birthday. He was born on March 28, 1935 to the late Russell and Rose (Moorehead) Els.

Following Jon's graduation from West Lafayette High School, he honorably served in the United States Air Force from 1954 to 1962 as an Aircraft Jet Engine Mechanic and was stationed at Guam's Andersen Air Force Base in 1957.  In July 1956 he married Marjorie Lynn Biggs. They celebrated 67 years of marriage before Marge's passing May 7, 2024.

Jon took great pride in and enjoyed his work for General Electric. He worked a few years for Kaiser Aluminum before completing his career at Pretty Products. He has been fondly characterized by many as one of the kindest foremen they ever worked with.

Jon was a member of the West Lafayette United Methodist Church and was involved in many civic activities, such as the West Lafayette Rotary and the Lions Club. He was a member of the West Lafayette Chamber of Commerce and served as Past President. He took great pride in his role as a Boy Scout leader and baseball coach.

Upon retirement, Jon and Marge purchased an RV and enjoyed many years of traveling, camping, and enjoying lasting friendships with members of the Coshocton Campers Club. He had a love and passion for the outdoors and cherished many hobbies, including cartography, hunting for arrow heads, and collecting antiques and model trains.

Jon and Marge's greatest legacy is their family.  He is survived by his loving children: Kathy Hardesty of Dresden, Jon F. (Lynn) Els of Warsaw, and Erin (Raymond) Paynter of Dresden; Grandchildren:  Kasey (Rob) Shelton, Matthew (Elivia) Els, Tory (Rachel) Hardesty, Emily (Radin) Mathew, Cameron (Marissa) McKee, Amanda (Christian) Grove, and Lydia Els; Step-Granddaughter: Stephanie Ansel; eleven great-grandchildren and three step-great-grandchildren.  He also leaves behind his sister, Elizabeth Anastasio of Lexington, KY, and many nieces and nephews.

Friends may call at The Miller Funeral Home, 639 Main St., Coshocton, on Tuesday April 1, 2025, from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM where funeral services will begin at 1:00 PM with Pastor Catherine Miller officiating. Interment will follow in Fairfield Cemetery, West Lafayette, with Coshocton County Veterans Honor Guard performing military honors.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Age of Steam Roundhouse Museum, 213 Smokey Lane Rd. SW, Sugarcreek, Ohio 44681; envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

The family would like to express a sincere appreciation and gratitude for those who assisted in Jon's care:  Mary, Pam, Sally, Rachel, Nancy, Karen, and the team members from Ohio Hospice.