Obituary of John F. Osterhout

John F. Osterhout after a courageous battle with plural mesothelioma peacefully walked into the presence of his Lord and Savior on January 26^th, 2023, at the age of 76. Yvonne, his loving wife of 46 years was at his side.

He started his journey to heaven in Binghamton NY, born to parents Ernest Francis and Hilda (Smally) Osterhout. As a child he attended Oneonta school and as a teenager he attended Delaware Academy in Delhi. He worked for John & Mary Hamiltion at Delhio Farms in East Meredith on and off for many years and whom he remained close friends with throughout his life. John served our country with three tours in Vietnam as a Naval Petty officer third class on the USS Ranger Aircraft carrier. As his journey continued, John worked as a mechanic and earned his ASE Master Automobile Technician certificate. He owned and operated The Car Place in East Meredith. John was also an educator at Oneonta Job Corps teaching auto repair. In his retirement, John and Yvonne volunteered at the USDA Forest Service in Florida where he mastered many different jobs including his national sawyer certificate which he was really proud of.

John had a loving relationship with our Lord and Savior. He attended Practical Bible College and was ordained as a Minister of Christ. John pastored the West Davenport Free Will Baptist Church and The Meridale Community Church. In 2010 he retired to Florida where he and his wife joined Florida’s Campers on Mission where he served as State Chaplain for many years. John loved studying God’s word and completed 23 online college courses from Dallas Theological Seminary. As John journeyed closer to heaven, he never stopped witnessing and sharing his love for Jesus to everyone he met and talked to. His hope was to see them all in heaven one day. He was looking forward to hearing God say the words from Matthew 25:21.

John is survived by his wife Yvonne Osterhout, his sister Barbara (Louie) Thompson, brother-in-law Dave Davies, Children; John (Joy) Osterhout, Necia (Buran) Doyon, David (Christine) Osterhout, Elaina (Eric) White, Ernest Osterhout (AKA EJ), nine grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren, many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Meeting him in heaven are his parents, sister Ann Marie Wright and infant daughter Sabrina Marie Osterhout.

A graveside celebration of John’s life will be held on at 11AM July 8, 2023 at the Pine Grove Cemetery,  Meridale. Luncheon to follow at the Meridale Community Church, Rt. 10 Meridale.

In lieu of flowers, donations in John’s memory may be made to the Meridale Community Church, PO Box 51 Meridale N.Y. 13806. 

Please visit www.hallandpeet.com to share a condolence with John's family.