John F. Steward, age 84, of Marion, Ohio passed away on Wednesday, September 29, 2021 due to several health issues. On June 24, 1937, John was born in McConnelsville, Ohio, in Morgan County, the only child of the late Elmer and Doris (Rarrick) Steward. John graduated from Philo High School in 1955, and Muskingum University in 1959, with a B.A. in Education. After graduation, John accepted a teaching and coaching position at Taft Jr. High and later was promoted to head baseball coach and assistant football coach at Harding High School. Soon after moving to Marion, John met his future wife and best friend, Joan Harrison, while participating in Young Adults Club at the YMCA. They were then married on November 30, 1963 and would have celebrated their 57th wedding anniversary this year. In 1965, John received his Masters of Education degree from Bowling Green State University with additional course work at THE Ohio State University and Kent State University. That same year, he became principal of Taft Jr. High at the age of 27. His tenure at Taft lasted four years and in 1969, he was promoted to the Assistant Principal at Harding High School. In 1971, he became Principal of Marion Harding High, the youngest Principal in Marion City School history. He spent the next 13 years having a passion for his faculty and students. In 1984, he was named Director of Business for the Marion City Schools. He served in this capacity for nine years, retiring in 1993, after 34 years of service. Shortly after his first retirement, John began working for his friend, John W. McDaniel, and his son, John Jr., with the O & M Company, as a manufacturing representative for 5 years. John then returned to the Marion City Schools as a construction supervisor and liaison for the Board of Education, with a $100 million plus high school building project. He served in this position until completion in 2003. In all, he completed 39 years in the Marion City Schools, serving 33 years in administrative capacities. Later, he volunteered and worked with kindergarten students at McKinley Elementary School. Finally, he substituted at McKinley for 3 years in grades K through third grade. An avid Ohio State University Buckeyes fan, John attended most all home games for 30 years. He and his wife, Joan, also traveled to many away games in Texas, Arizona, Florida, Washington, California, and several Big Ten Schools. The highlight of all games was watching the Buckeyes win the National Championship in 2002, with his family in Tempe, Arizona. He was also a great fan of the Cleveland Browns and Indians, going to many games over the years. John enjoyed boating with his family and friends at Indian Lake cruising the islands. He enjoyed all kinds of music especially marching band songs with John Phillip Sousa as his favorite. His hobbies included cooking, stone painting, birdhouses, woodworking, reading and traveling on many trips at home and abroad. He and his wife, Joan, spent many winter weeks in St. Petersburg, Florida, for 18 years. Volunteering and giving back was always a priority in John's life. Reading and working with nursing home residents, serving on several boards YMCA, Boy Scouts, OhioHealth, Ohio School Study Commission, Marion Recreation Dept., Board of Trustees of Marion Cemetery Association, Vernon Commons and Eaglewood Condo Boards, U.S. Congressional Academy Selection Board, and the American Red Cross. He was a faithful member of Epworth United Methodist Church, where he served for many years as an usher and various church boards. Most recently, he was the church lay visitor. John was a past president and past charter member of the Marion Evening Lions, Elks 32, OSU Alumni, the Marion Country Club, Citizens Police Academy, Marion County Republican Club, and Gyro Men's Club. He received many awards, including: Lion of the Year, Marion Jaycees Education of the Year, Martha Jennings Scholar Foundation Award, Recognition Award from the Ohio School Secondary Principals, North Central Schools Recognition Award, and the Ohio House of Representatives Award. He will be dearly missed by his loving wife and best friend, Joan Steward. He always commented she was his rock and guiding light. He also will be missed by his daughter, Kelly Anne Steward (Sis) of Rancho Mirage California; son, Kirk, and daughter-in-law, Kelly Jean (Goldsberry); and two grandsons: Ethan and Alex Steward, all of Aldie, Virginia.