John Eugene Weider
Age
85
Entered into Rest
August 28, 2021
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John Weider, 85 passed away at Magnolia Springs in Loveland, Ohio on Saturday August 28, 2021 at 4:13 am after a seven year battle with Dementia/Alzheimer's. John was born on June 9, 1936 in Canton, Ohio. In 1959, he married the love of his life, Mary Kay Brown (from Massillon). They celebrated 62 years of marriage in June. John and Mary were blessed with two daughters, Sandra and Lisa. John grew up in Canton, Ohio. He proudly served in the United States Army, 10th Mountain Division, 1955-1957. He was stationed in the US for six months, and 18 months in Bamberg, Germany. He always, enjoyed sharing great memories, and the friendships that he made during his time in the Army. Beginning in 1957-1965, John played both slo-pitch and fumbleball until he chose to become and Amateur Softball Association (ASA) Umpire 1965-1986. Because of his commitment and dedication to softball, he was known throughout Stark County as "Mr. Softball." As an umpire from 1965-1986, he umpired in 17 consecutive Major state tournaments, 16 regional tournaments and four National Championships. In 1969, he became the first president of the Massillon Umpires Association, where he served until 1976; and, as Umpire-in-Chief for Massillon from 1976 to 1978. In 1982, John received the International Softball Federation Certification, which permitted him to umpire on the International Level. In 1988, he was inducted into the ASA National Indicator Fraternity (two of the hightest awards the ASA awarded an umpire). He wa inducted in the fumbleban hall of frame as a umpire in 1992, Ohio ASA Hall of Honor in 1993, and as a umpired into the Slo Hall of Fame in 1998. In 2011, John was the recipient of the Stan Dunnerstick Award (commitment and dedication to the game of slo-pitch softball in Stark County). Also, John served 19 years as a commissioner for the ASA (District 10), which covered Stark, Wayne, Homes and Tuscarawas counties. During his free time, he proudly operated the clock at Massillon Tiger Stadium during the football season. Basketball officiating was John's first love. It all began while he was sationed in Germany. He always said, "that's my high." He worked regional and state tournaments. He began college officiating, but gave it up due to extensive travel involvement, and beging away from his family. His dedication to his health, his trustworthiness, learning and re-learning new rules made him an outstanding referee. He always said "you don't look at a school, an individual, or skin color, you see the color of the uniform and call the rule." John worked in seven boys high school state tournaments before retiring after the 1991 tournament. In 1999, John retired from American Electgric Powser (AEP as a Customer Servvices Specialist. He had a 19 years carreer with AEP, which he thoroughly enjoyed. Due to John's ailing health, John and Mary moved to Northern Kentucky in 2019 to be closer to family. Prior to their move, they attended St. Mary's Catholic Church in Massillon for over 60 years-the church where they were married. John is survived by his wife, Mary, and his daughters Sandra Smith (Reid), Houston, TX, Lisa "Little John" Wires (Keith), Covington, KY, and one granddaughter who alawys made him smile and laugh, Sarah Wires, attending Northern Kentuck University. The family expresses sincere thanks to the staff and nurses at Magnolia Springs Loveland, and Queen City Hospice who so lovingly cared for John during his short stay. Also, the family thanks all the individuals that are in our daily lives-for you love, care and concern, Truly means so much. The lives that John touched are bountiful. The family will forevermore have and ongoing celebration of life with family and friends. We are proud of you John, Dad and Grandpa. You lived a great life, and our time with you will always live in our hearts. May you rest in peace until we are together again. As promised, we will now begin to write the book aout you life. We Love you!
