Cover photo for John J. Behling's Obituary
John J. Behling Profile Photo
In Memory Of
John J. Behling
1933 2016

John J. Behling

April 23, 1933 — May 20, 2016

(Coach) John J. Behling, age 83, passed peacefully into the loving arms of Christ his Savior, surrounded by his family, on May 20, 2016, following an extended illness. John was born on April 23, 1933 in New Philadelphia, Ohio. He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Medford Behling, and sister Betty Joanne Welch.

He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Betty J. (Bonnette) Behling, brother Jerry Behling, four daughters; Valerie Shaver, (Greg) of North Canton, OH, Kim Fry, (Eric) of New Lexington, OH, Christine Costello, (Vincent) of Murray, KY, and Jennifer Knapp, (Jeremy) of Grove City, OH, 14 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

John and Betsy were high school sweethearts and married on May 16, 1955 in Columbus, OH. Immediately following their marriage, they moved to Colorado Springs, CO, where John served in the Army for two years. They traveled extensively throughout the US during their marriage and were rarely apart.

John attended Ohio State University, until he joined the Army, and then graduated with degrees from Otterbein and Kent State Universities. He began a teaching career in 1960, and enjoyed a 30-year football-coaching career.

After retiring from coaching football, Coach John devoted his coaching skills to the love of Fastpitch Softball. John and Betsy were the owners of the Ohio Pride Fastpitch Academy in Grove City, OH, and Coach John also managed a number of travel teams, and assisted with coaching the Otterbein softball team.
Coach John especially loved coaching his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and watching them play. He has helped thousands of young people secure scholarships and inspired many in their careers and life choices. Beyond that, he is deeply loved and respected by his family, and will be greatly missed.

Family and friends will gather on Thursday, May 26, 2016, 2-4 PM & 6-8 PM at Newcomer Funeral Home, SW Chapel, 3393 Broadway, Grove City, OH 43123, with the Funeral Service on Friday, May 27, 2016, 10 AM with Pastor Tom Pauquette officiating. Interment will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens, Columbus, OH. Memorial Contributions may be made to The Vineyard Christian Fellowship, 3005 Holt Road, Grove City, OH 43123.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of John J. Behling, please visit our flower store.

Service Schedule

Past Services

Visitation

Thursday, May 26, 2016

Newcomer - Southwest Chapel

3393 Broadway, Grove City, OH 43123

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

Service

Friday, May 27, 2016

Starts at 10:00 am (Eastern time)

Newcomer - Southwest Chapel

3393 Broadway, Grove City, OH 43123

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

Interment

Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens

, Columbus, OH

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

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