John Wesley Singleton

A Homegoing Service, celebrating the life of John Wesley Singleton, 85, of Newark, will be held on Wednesday, February 28, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. at Criss Wagner Hoskinson Funeral Home with Rev. Clifton R. Kilpatrick officiating. Burial will follow in Cedar Hill Cemetery with military honors observed by the Licking County Veterans Alliance. Visitation will be held at the funeral home, 179 Granville Street, Newark, one hour prior to the funeral service on Wednesday, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. John was born in Mobile, Alabama on August 29, 1938 to the late Warren J. Singleton and Edna “Bonnie” (Jones) Singleton Means. He passed away at Altercare Newark South on February 22, 2024. John proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War. Prior to retirement, he was a division manager for Sears and Roebuck for 20 years. He also worked for the Newark City Schools as a bus driver for 16 years and Lakefront Lines Charter Bus Company for 14 years. John was the Past Commander of the Levi Phillips American Legion Post # 85, where he held that office twice, and served on the Post Executive Board for many years. He was involved with the American Legion Buckeye Boys State Program for many years. He was Past Worshipful Master of Calumet Masonic Lodge in Farrell, Pa; one of the founding members and the first president of the Newark Ski Club; he was the first black ski instructor at Snow Trails Ski Resort in Mansfield, where he taught skiing at the resort for over 35 years; bought his first motorcycle at the age of 77 and joined the American Legion Riders at Levi Phillips American Legion Post #85 in Newark. He was also a member of the VFW, Post #1060 and the Newark Eagles Lodge. John loved his family and friends more than anything else. He loved all types of sports, but especially snow skiing. He lived for the first snowflake of the season! Survivors include his loving wife of 62 years, Lois Patricia (Bailey) Singleton, whom he married August 5, 1961; children, Sheila P. “Luster” (Alli) Singleton, Jeffrey W. (Beverly) Singleton Sr., Crystal A. (Gene) Hughey and Warren E. (Cory) Singleton; siblings, Rico Singleton, Michael (Victoria) Means, Barry (Terri) Singleton and Paula (Glenn) Caldwell; grandchildren, Karl (Natahsa) Rose, Justin J. (Rachel) Hughey, Jericah L. (Brandon) Harney, Jeffrey W. Singleton Jr., Olivia Singleton, Trajen M. Singleton, Eden M. Singleton-Tarr, Damian M. Singleton and Brynt M. Singleton-Tarr; great grandchildren, Isaiah Stinnett, Kami Rose, Kylee Rose, Kire E. Lucas Rose, Aesen J. Hughey, Adrain W. Singleton, Brandon Harney Jr., Bradley Harney, Tyler Harney, Tyden Harney, Della Rae Singleton, Roman Singleton and Archer W. Pickrell. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his mother and step-father, Edna “Bonnie” Singleton Means and Winslow Means, Jr.; father and step-mother, Warren J. and Pauline Singleton; siblings, Ernest Singleton, Rick Means, Charmie Means and Alvin Freeman. Those who wish may make memorial contributions in memory of John to the American Legion, Post #85, Newark. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Criss Wagner Hoskinson Funeral and Cremation Service is honored to care for John and his family.