John McGathey, age 85, of Haydenville, Ohio (formerly of Sebring, Florida), passed away January 12, 2025, at Ohio Health Pickerington Hospital, Pickerington, Ohio.

John was born October 17, 1939, in Haydenville, Ohio to Pearl D. McGathey and Thelma McGathey. John enjoyed playing cards, horseshoes, bingo, and various other games. John and his wife Barbara owned and operated the Truckstop/Take a Break Diner in Haydenville, McGathey’s Family Restaurant & Lounge and Chieftain Shell in Logan. He always enjoyed working and socializing with his customers. In 1979, his family fulfilled a lifetime dream of theirs, by moving from Ohio to Florida. There, they owned and operated several successful businesses as well. He was a proud US Marine and loved his family. For John, family was the most important thing. He always made sure his kids were well taken care of and set up for success in life.

Surviving are his children, Todd McGathey, Rhonda (Brian) Wyskiver, Michael (Stephanie) McGathey, Tracy (Gary) Lower, and Joe (Tammy) McGathey; 10 grandchildren; and 9 great-grandchildren.

John was preceded in death by his loving and caring wife of 62 years, Barbara McGathey; parents, Pearl and Thelma McGathey; son, Timmy McGathey; grandson, Todd McGathey II; and brothers, Pearl, Richie, Bob, Don, and Wayne McGathey.

At this time, there will be a simple cremation held for John. There will be a graveside service scheduled at a future date at Fairview Cemetery in Rockbridge, Ohio. Arrangements are by the Heinlein-Brown Funeral Home of Logan, Ohio.