John R. Mack, age 89 of Defiance, passed away surrounded by his loved ones on Tuesday evening, July 29, 2025. He was born in Defiance, Ohio on April 5, 1936 to Bernard "Bud" and Kathryn (Acus) Mack. On June 1, 1957 he married Mary Lou Fronk who survives. John was a faithful member of St. Isidore Catholic Church, Marysdale. He proudly earned his Master's Degree in Education and taught at St. Henry in Coldwater, Ohio and at Defiance City Schools until his retirement in 1993. Following his retirement he worked for Defiance County Auditor's Office as the Weights and Measurements Inspector for 13 years. His lifelong love was for horses and was a member of AQHA (American Quarter Horse Association). John owned an AQHA Champion Horse and enjoyed raising horses all his life. He loved spending time with his family, playing Black Jack and trips to the casino. John is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Mary Lou Mack of Defiance, and his children, Jeffrey (Cindy) Mack of Defiance, Julie (Maurice) Meyer of Sparta, TN, and Jena (Robert) Stites of Defiance. He also leaves behind his grandchildren; Ryan (Erin Speith) Mack of Defiance, Shaun (Kirstie) Mack of Defiance, Justin Meyer of Dallas, TX, Kristin (Ryne) Gipson of Knoxville, TN, Kaylee Schoonover and Jonathon Schoonover, both of Defiance, great-grandchildren; Kyan, Caroline, Henry, Mia, Sadie, Harper, Callen and Bella, his son-in-law Scott Schoonover of Defiance, and his brother George Mack of Defiance. He was preceded in death by his parents, Bernard and Kathryn Mack.

A visitation will be held on Monday, August 4, 2025 from 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm at Schaffer Funeral Home with a vigil service being held at 4:00pm. A Memorial Mass will be held on Tuesday, August 5, 2025 at 11:00 am at St. Isidore Catholic Church, Marysdale. Inurnment will take place at Evansport Cemetery. Schaffer Funeral Home was honored to assist the family with arrangements. Memorials are suggested to St. Isidore Catholic Church, Marysdale, or ELARA Hospice. Online condolences can be given at www.Schafferfh.com.