John R. “Jack” Kohout, 80, died Thursday, December 28, 2017, at the Laurels of Defiance.

He was born on June 15, 1937, in Defiance, the son of Theodore Virgil and Valeria (Mekus) Kohout. He was a graduate of Defiance High School in 1955 and The University of Notre Dame in 1960. He was an aeronautical engineer, working for various companies including Pratt & Whitney Aircraft in Connecticut and Florida. He returned to Defiance in 1971 and worked as a groundskeeper at Inverness Country Club in Toledo and Findlay Country Club. He became a certified golf course superintendent and was superintendent at Auglaize Golf Club and Kettenring Country Club (now Eagle Rock Golf Club).

Later he was a certified quality control technician at Chase Brass until he retired. John was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church. He was an avid golfer and enjoyed competing in amateur golf tournaments. He loved gardening and walking his dog, Cookie. He was a constant learner, always improving his knowledge and understanding.

Surviving are his sister, Anne Kohout-Chase, Defiance; sister-in-law, Mary Helen (Jim) Kohout, Indianapolis; a niece, Chris Kohout Hauck, Cincinnati; nephews, Michael Kohout and Andrew Kohout of Indianapolis, A.T. Kohout of Fort Wayne, John Chase of Denver, and Joseph Chase, Phoenix.

Preceding him in death were his parents, two brothers, Albert and James; and an infant nephew.

Visitation will be at Schaffer Funeral Home on February 10 from 9-11 a.m., with mass of Christian burial at St. Mary’s Catholic Church at 11:30 a.m.

Donations to St. Mary’s, St. Vincent DePaul, are preferred and appreciated.