John Nye Obituary

John Nye

John F. (Coach) Nye, 67, passed away unexpectedly Wednesday, March 5, 2025, at Wyandot Memorial Hospital.

He was born February 13, 1958 in Findlay to the late Kenneth and Marcella (Hendricks) Nye. He married Elaine (Metzger) on July 22, 2004 and she survives. John is also survived by his three stepchildren, Adam (Angelica) Kirian, Seth (Jenny) Kirian and Brittany (Austin) Metzger; along with nine grandchildren, Gwen, Delaney, Faye, Anna, Hayes, Waylon, Kollyns, Madelyn and Wesley; and three brothers, Dave (Becky), Ted and Joe.

John was a 1976 graduate of Vanlue High School where he participated in many sports. He often would tell his stepsons about being the Defensive MVP in football in 1975 and had the trophy to prove it. He graduated from Findlay College with a bachelor of education and later received his master's degree from the United States Sports Academy, Atlanta, Georgia. John taught at Riverdale Schools for 30 years primarily as a junior high social studies teacher retiring in 2010. While there he coached multiple sports including basketball, football and track. Students may remember the famous poems he composed and read at the junior high pep rallies. Students who had Mr. Nye may not have appreciated his teaching style while in school but later would often thank him for his impact on them. John was a basketball referee for over 30 years and umpired softball for the last several years.

John was a member of American Legion Post No. 344, VFW Post No. 3759, and the Carey Eagles No. 2198, where he served as treasurer for 35 years. He could be found at one of these clubs daily sitting with friends and enjoying a drink. If you played piano man on the jukebox, you were his friend for life.

John's hobbies included golfing, fishing and bowling. He loved going to his cabin in Pennsylvania with friends and family where he spent time golfing, canoeing, club hopping and sitting around the campfire. His campfire building skills were second to none. For many years John and Elaine hosted a Fourth of July party which began as a small gathering, but through the years grew into a big event. Nothing made him happier than cooking with his friend Brian and shooting off a multitude of fireworks as his friends booed and cheered.

John was an avid Detroit Tigers, Detroit Lions and Ohio State Buckeye fan. He and his buddy, Cat, traveled to every Big Ten Stadium and every major league ballpark throughout the years.

Visitation for John will be from 2-6 p.m. Sunday, March 9, 2025, at Stombaugh-Batton & Snyder Funeral Home, Carey. John's funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Monday, March 10, 2025, at the funeral home, with Fr. Tom Merrill, OFM, Conv, officiating. Interment will be at Union Cemetery, West Independence.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in John's honor to Vanlue Veterans Memorial Park or West Independence Church.

Online condolence, as well a fond memory may be shared with John's family by visiting www.stombaughbatton.com