John Howard Fernbaugh, 71, of Bowling Green, Ohio passed away unexpectedly Friday June 13, 2014.
John was born in Kenton, Ohio to the late Paul and Cleone (Torrey) Fernbaugh. He married Gina (Sponsler) Herr on October 24, 1992 in Marion, Ohio and she survives in Bowling Green. Also surviving John are his daughter Andrea Fernbaugh of Maumee, Ohio; son Paul Fernbaugh of Delaware, Ohio; step-sons Joshua Herr of Henderson, Nevada; William (Kara) Herr of Boston, Massachusetts; grandchildren Derrick, Anthony, Ciera, Jessica and Alexandra; great-grandchildren Audrey and Jayden, and his mother in-law Dolores Sponsler of Defiance. He was preceded in death by his sister Paula Daniels in 2007.
John was a 1960 graduate of Waite High School, and continued to stay close to many of his East Toledo classmates that he grew up with. He received his Bachelor of Science in Education from BGSU in 1965 and his Masters of Science in Education from Eastern Michigan University in 1972.
John began his teaching and coaching career at Delta High School where he taught Biology and was the assistant football, basketball and head track coach. His teaching and coaching career was continued at Bowsher and Devilbiss High Schools in Toledo, and also Montpelier High school where he also served as High School Principal.
John continued his career in education, serving as Assistant Superintendent at Wauseon School District, and Superintendent at Elgin and McComb Local School Districts.
After retiring from education, John spent 7 years as Executive Director of the Ohio Association of School Business Officials from 1998-2005, and Development Director of the Kidney Foundation.
John reentered the education field once again and became Interim Superintendent at Rossford Schools; Middle School Principal and Athletic Director at Erie Mason Consolidated Schools in Erie, Michigan; Superintendent at Woodmore Local Schools; and served his final superintendency at Huron City Schools from 2012 until July 2013.
In each of his positions John was an active contributor in all communities, serving in leadership roles in Chambers of Commerce and various service organizations.
During his free time and throughout retirement John enjoyed traveling to Palm Springs, California and Las Vegas with his wife Gina. John also enjoyed spending time with all of his family; his monthly poker games with close friends in Toledo, and golfing with his wife. John was currently volunteering with the Ronald McDonald House of Northwest Ohio.
John was such a bright light in all of the lives he touched. He was a genuine “people person” and strongly believed that the more he gave the more he would receive. He was a true giver to everyone he met.
Memorial Contributions in John’s honor may be made to the Ronald McDonald House of Northwest Ohio, 3883 Monroe St., Toledo, Ohio 43606.
On-line condolences may be sent to John’s family by visiting www.hannemanfh.com.
