John Paul Holbein

John Paul Holbein, 67, a lifetime resident of Falls Township, passed away at 3:30 A.M. at Genesis Hospice-Morrison House. Born November 1, 1948 in Zanesville, he was the son of the late Elmer and Virginia Shrider Holbein. He was a 1966 graduate of West Muskingum High School and attended the Electronic Institute of Technology in Akron, Ohio from 1966-1968. He served in the United States Air Force National Guard from 1969 to 1975. He retired from Ameritech/Ohio Bell after working there from 1968 to 2001, the majority of those years as a central office manager, working in downtown Zanesville. He was the owner and operator of Smoke and Feathers Gun Shop for many years. To say he was an outdoorsman would be an understatement. His passion for hunting was unmatched, traveling all over the country, to Canada and even to South Africa in his pursuit of wild game, traveling to 46 of the 50 states, excluding Alaska, Hawaii, Washington, and Oregon, although he did see Oregon from a mountain peak while hunting in Idaho. He took up golf in his retirement, with a love/hate relationship with the game, along with a mild obsession. He played in the Monday Senior League at Crystal Springs and with the Whispering Palms golf group at Vista Plantation, Florida, where he spent the winters with his wife, Martha. He is survived by his wife, Martha Glass Holbein, whom he has loved for over 51 years. He was very proud of his children, daughter Julie (Jason Bucci) Holbein and son, Matt (Jan) Holbein, along with a grandchild who will be born next year. Also surviving are his siblings, Dorothy (Phil) Mills, Helen Parker, Clarence (Sandy) Holbein, Ruth Goyne, Martha Holbein, and Robert Holbein, along with many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews too numerous to mention. Taking the family on what they called the Griswold vacations was one of Johns things. They were not the typical theme park trips but fishing in Canada, snow mobiling and skiing in Colorado, camping on the eastern shore, visiting national parks to learn the history of our great country, and almost always included taking the scenic route. Taking pictures to preserve memories was another part of his gift to all of his family and friends. From work to family to friends, he spent hours assembling albums small and large for us. We have thousands of pictures to help keep him in our hearts forever. John was a proud Benefactor Lifetime Member of the NRA since 1974. He was a huge supporter of the NWTF, where he volunteered in the youth activities, including working with disadvantaged and physically challenged youth so they could enjoy the outdoor experience. As a West Muskingum Athletic Booster, he was constantly working to improve the outdoor facilities for his alma mater. He loved coaching Matt and his friends during Biddy League football and baseball games, but he left soccer to other coaches. He didnt have a great love for horses, however he took daughter, Julie, to endless horse shows at county and state fairs because that was her passion. He believed everyone should do their best at what they loved. He was generous to a fault, not only helping anyone with a project but also contributing to many of the organizations and causes that were close to his heart. If asked, his friends and family will say if you would ask John his opinion on a subject, you had to be prepared for a truthful answer because he was brutally honest. There are too many funny stories to tell here, but we will leave those to all who knew and loved him to keep his memory alive and with us. When he was diagnosed with Mantle Cell Lymphoma while in Florida six months ago, he had to decide whether to stay there for treatment or return to Ohio. He wanted to come home for his family and the farm where he grew up and loved (with the exception of the horses). John wasnt a religious man, although he lived a good life as a good man. He didnt read the 10 commandments, although he lived them. We had many wonderful days with John, although not nearly enough years. He will surely be missed by many. In lieu of flowers, please donate to one of the following three causes: 1) Tailgate for Blood Cancers, in memory of John Holbein OSU vs IU Football Game, Saturday, October 8th, prior to game time, Fyffe Road and Woody Hayes Drive NW corner, $20 donation to enjoy great memories or donate by mail to Tailgate for Blood Cancer, c/o Barb Hess, OSU Community Partner, 522 Lackey Old State Road, Delaware, Ohio 43015; 2) NRA, 11250 Waples Mill Road, Fairfax, Virginia 22030 (NRS Foundation.org); 3) Genesis Hospice-Morrison House, 713 Forest Avenue, Zanesville, Ohio 43701. Friends and family may call from noon to 3:00 P.M. and 5:00 8:00 P.M. on Tuesday, August 23, 2016 at the BOLIN-DIERKES FUNERAL HOME, 1271 BLUE AVENUE, ZANESVILLE and one hour prior to the funeral services which will be held at 2:30 P.M. on Wednesday, August 24, 2016, with Rev. Tom England officiating. He will be laid to rest at Williams Cemetery with full military honors being provided by VFW George Selsam Post 1058 and the American Legion Post 29. To send a note of condolence, or to order flowers or comfort food: visit www.bolin-dierkesfuneralhome.com , follow us on Facebook, or call our professional staff at (740)452-4551. Dignified and professional services entrusted to BOLIN-DIERKES FUNERAL HOME.

Visitation

Tuesday, August 23, 2016 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Bolin-Dierkes Funeral Home
1271 Blue Avenue Zanesville 43701, United States

Visitation

Tuesday, August 23, 2016 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Bolin-Dierkes Funeral Home
1271 Blue Avenue Zanesville 43701, United States

Visitation

Wednesday, August 24, 2016 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
Bolin-Dierkes Funeral Home
1271 Blue Avenue Zanesville 43701, United States

Funeral Service

Wednesday, August 24, 2016 2:30 PM
Bolin-Dierkes Funeral Home
1271 Blue Avenue Zanesville 43701, United States