John M. McKenna, Jr., age 79, of Piqua, OH passed away on Wednesday April 30, 2025, at his residence. He was born in Beaver County, PA on May 30,1945, to the late John M. Sr. and Alice E. (Russell) McKenna. On October 30,2020, in Piqua, OH; he married Cheryl (Epley) McKenna and she survives.
John will be deeply missed by all who loved and knew him. He is survived by his three children: Paul (Celena) McKenna, Maumee, OH; Julie (Glenn) McIntyre, California, and Jennifer (Tim) Slife, Casstown, OH; Four Siblings: Alice (Tom) Jacomet, Piqua, OH; Kathleen Staggers, Troy, OH; Mary Ann (Steve) Fraley, Dayton, OH; and Jerry (Cynthia) McKenna, Piqua, OH. Also, Six grandchildren, and Seven great-grandchildren. John was preceded in death by one Son John M. McKenna III, one Brother: Terry McKenna, one Grandson: Colin McKenna, one Stepdaughter: Danielle Moore, and one Step Grandson: Bryan Gibboney.
John graduated from Miami East High School in 1963 and entered the U. S. Air force to serve his country on April 21,1964. He served as a Sergeant in the Vietnam War.
John retired from NK Parts in Sidney, Ohio and enjoyed playing guitar, singing, hunting, camping and four wheeling. He also enjoyed tinkering around with metal and wood in his spare time. He was happy attending Vietnam Veterans Reunions and thanking each one of them for their service.
The Family would like to give a special “Thank You” to the caring staff of Ohio’s Hospice of Miami County as well as these special caregivers: Ari Zay, David Maxson, and Shannon Cotterman.
A Celebration in honor of John’s Life will be held at 1:00PM on Monday, May 5,2025 at Melcher-Sowers Funeral Home with Pastor Harold Liess officiating. Burial will immediately follow with full military honors presented by The Veterans Elite Tribute Squad at Forest Hill Cemetery in Piqua, OH. The family will receive friends from 11 AM to 1PM on Monday, May 5,2025, at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made in John’s name to Ohio’s Hospice of Miami County 3230 N County Rd 25A, Troy, OH 45373.
Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.melcher-sowers.com.