John M. Saylor Jr., 67, of Mineral City, passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.
Born on July 15, 1958, in Warren, Pennsylvania, John was the son of the late John M. Saylor Sr. and Jean Silvis Burke.
He graduated from Hancock Central High School in New York in 1976. Shortly after graduation, he enlisted in the United States Air Force. Following his military service, he attended Kent State University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in 1987. He later served with the Ohio National Guard’s 1485th Transportation Company during Operation Desert Storm. John dedicated more than 20 years of his career to the Tuscarawas County Board of Developmental Disabilities. Most recently, he worked for Ember Complete Care and Steppingstone in Uhrichsville until his retirement due to illness. He also enjoyed part-time work with his good friend, Dave Warther, crafting guitar pins. John was a member of the Mineral City Methodist Church, the New Philadelphia VFW, and the Mineral City American Legion. He served on the board of David Warther Carvings. Above all, John cherished his family and took great joy in being a devoted husband, father, and doting grandfather. He loved family vacations to Lakeside, Ohio, watching NASCAR, playing poker with friends, and riding his motorcycle—especially on trips to Richmond, Virginia, for races. He enjoyed all sports, and especially liked watching football, cheering for his beloved Ohio State Buckeyes and the Dallas Cowboys with Mike Sergent and friends. An avid reader, he spent many hours at the Dover Library. He also found happiness in decorating his home for Christmas, working in his yard, and dressing up in a sharp suit for fundraising events supporting the Board of Job and Family Services.
John is survived by his wife of 46 years, Kimberly Grafe Saylor, whom he married on August 25, 1979; daughters, Johnna (Jeremy) McCaulley of Mineral City and Tessa (Joshua) Compton of Dover; siblings, Stephen (Rita) Saylor, Tana (Dan) Emery, Susan (Michael) Anderson, and Nicole (Jay) Whalen, all of Pennsylvania; grandchildren, Ethan, Ella, Louisa, and Theodora; and many nieces and nephews.
Cremation has been entrusted to the Toland-Herzig Funeral Home and Crematory in Dover. A celebration of John’s life will be held on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the Toland-Herzig Funeral Home and Crematory in Dover, with Pastor Bob Smith officiating. Military rites will follow, conducted by the New Philadelphia VFW. The family will receive friends on Monday, June 29, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Dover Public Library, 525 N. Walnut St., Dover, Ohio 44622, or to Ohio’s Hospice, 716 Commercial Ave SW, New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663.
Toland-Herzig Funeral Homes & Crematory
803 North Wooster Avenue
Dover, Ohio 44622
330-343-6132
www.tolandherzig.com
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