John R Vanantwerp

John Robert VanAntwerp "Jack," born November 22, 1929, passed away Monday April 18, surrounded by family.

John graduated in 1951 from the University of Akron with a B.S. in Business Administration. Throughout high school and college, John worked for his family's trucking business, Vans Terminal, until age 34 when he took a job as terminal manager for Hennis Freight Lines. He ran the corporate fleet for Automatic Sprinkler before becoming the corporate traffic manager for Figgie International. John was well known for his strong work ethic and dedication. He served on several committees to advance the transportation industry and improve trucking regulations.

While in college, John was a member of the Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) and later served in the U.S. National Guard.

John was a humble man who cared deeply for people, whether they were members of his family, friends, coworkers or strangers. His kindness and compassion were incredibly genuine, yet understated. He went out of his way to improve people's lives, make friendships and provide comfort for those he loved. He spent his later years at his home, fondly named Strawberry Hill Farm with the two loves of his life - his family and his garden.

Preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Nora VanAntwerp; his sister, Claribel Alexander; his brother, Earl VanAntwerp; and his daughter, Susan Marie Schoenstein; he will be remembered and dearly missed by his wife of almost 65 years, Milora Beachy VanAntwerp; his three children, Sarah Doncaster (Richard), Robert VanAntwerp (Ursula), and Elizabeth Brillhart; nine grandchildren, Heather Oakes (Brian), Jennifer Kinnen (Kelly), Holly Schoenstein (Shawn Turner), Kara Jackowski (Chris), Ashley Brillhart (Chris Balint), John VanAntwerp, Emily VanAntwerp, Laura Doncaster and Jonathan Brillhart; and five great-grandchildren, Jayden and Carson Oakes, Annie and Colin Jackowski, and Marit Schoenstein Turner.

A funeral service is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. Friday, April 22nd at Faith Lutheran Church, followed by an internment at Rose Hill Burial Park. Calling hours will be held prior to the service at 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers, please honor John's memory through acts of kindness, as he did for others his whole life. Donations may also be made to Soup for Hospice Ministry at Faith Lutheran Church, 2726 West Market St. Akron, OH 44333. To share a Memory, Send a Condolence orLight a Candle, visit the Tribute Wall at www.billowfuneralhomes.com (Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel)