John L. Sydenstricker, 81, of Hillsboro, Ohio passed away on Wednesday, November 4, 2026. Anyone who knew him, knew this was a glorious day for John, as he was a strong witness for the Lord and his coming day in Eternity.
John was born on August 11, 1945 in Charlestown, Indiana to Lynn & Marjorie (McCoppin) Sydenstricker. The family moved back to Ohio and John graduated from Greenfield McClain High School. After high school, he was drafted into the Army and spent 19 months in Germany during the Vietnam War. The tales from those days would last him a lifetime.
His father purchased McCoppin’s Mill from John’s grandfather, when John was in high school and John worked with his father there for several years. John would later work at the Ford Garage, Holiday Feed and finally for Hillsboro High School as a custodian.
John was a lifelong fisherman, fishing from the upper windows of McCoppin’s Mill in his younger days. Many of his most enjoyable days were spent casting a line off the banks of Rocky Fork Lake or Paint Creek. In later life, he became an enthusiastic fishing equipment collector, enjoying finding (or haggling for) a good deal at many a flea market or pawn shop. He took great pride in a clean car and would spend hours washing and waxing the many Buicks and VWs over the years. He was a longstanding member of the Cornerstone Church where he praised and worshipped for many years.
He is survived by his wife, Judy (Kelley) Sydenstricker, of 56 years, a daughter, Julie (Paul) Burnett of Grove City, Ohio and a son, Jeff (Sherry) Sydenstricker of Penhook, Virginia, as well as, one granddaughter, Morgan Sydenstricker. He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister Karol Harner of Chandler Arizona and his brother, Jim Sydenstricker of Elkhart Indiana.
Funeral Services will be 1:00 PM on Wednesday November 11, 2026, at the Thompson Funeral Home. Burial will follow at the Marshall Cemetery with military rites conducted by the Highland County Honor Guard.
Friends may call from 11:00 AM until time of services on Wednesday at the Thompson Funeral Home.
Donations can be made to your charity of choice.
To sign John’s online guest book, visit www.thompsonfuneralhomes.com, or to leave a like, comment or share, visit the Thompson Funeral Home and Cremation Care Facebook Page.
Full service details and the family guest book are available at Thompson Funeral Homes & Cremation Care.