John Paul Stotts (April 29, 1950 – August 1, 2012)
John Paul Stotts, 62, of Zanesville, died suddenly on Wednesday, August 01, 2012 at his home. His wife of 43 years, Donna Totten Stotts survives.
John was born April 29, 1950, in Zanesville, to Willis Henry Harmon and Zelma Josephine Longshore Stotts. He graduated from Maysville High School Class of 1968 and honorably served in the United States Army in Vietnam from 1969 to 1971. John recently retired from a 40 year career as a long distance truck driver. He was employed by the New Bakery Company of Ohio for 29 years. John won the prestigious 2010 North American Truck Driver of the Year for Ryder Corporation, logging almost 4 million miles accident and violation free. That same year, he also was awarded the Ohio Trucking Association Driver of the Year.
John started each day sitting in his favorite rocking chair watching the sun rise, while in meditation and prayer. His knowledge of the Bible challenged that of any scholar or theologian. He was a devoted member of the First Church of the Nazarene.
A self educated man, he pursued many fields of knowledge including history, politics, mathematics, theology and science.
John will be remembered as a quiet and humble man whose generosity touched many lives. John’s motto in life was God, family and country.
John’s legacy will continue through his son, Andy Stotts and his children, Shelby and Reagan Stotts and their mother, Gina Mathes Stotts; a daughter, April (Brian) Dishon and their daughter, Lynzie; siblings, Nora (Bill) Davis, Wayne (Nancy) Stotts, Josephine (Charles) Barner, Corinna (Dave) Holman, Joy Gortner and Danny (Joak) Stotts; and brothers and sisters-in-law, Cathy Stotts, John (Christy) Totten, Jeanne Ross, Sam (Jane) Lenhart, Rose (Mark) Dinges and Dean Lenhart.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Harmon Dale Stotts; two sisters, Essie Davis and Elaine Peterson; several brothers-in-law and nephews; and father and mother-in-law, Dick and Rosella Lenhart.
Friends and family may call from 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. Sunday, August 5, 2012 at THE SNOUFFER FUNERAL HOME, 1150 W MILITARY RD., ZANESVILLE. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, August 6, 2012 at the funeral home with Rev. Dr. Steven Dupler officiating. John will be laid to rest at Zanesville Memorial Park Cemetery. VFW George Selsam Post #1058 will hold full military rites at the graveside.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Salvation Army, 515 Putnam Ave., Zanesville, Ohio 43701.
To send a note of condolence to the family, visit www.snoufferfuneralhome.com and click obituaries, find us on Facebook or call our caring staff at 740-450-8000.
