John Xavier Jonas, of West Harrison, passed away on June 10, 2023, at the age of 91.  He was born on December 1, 1931, in Cedar Grove, to Charles and Frances (nee Fliehman) Jonas. He graduated from Brookville High School.  John joined the US Army and served from 1952 to 1954, serving overseas for 1 year 2 months and 21 days during the Korean War.  He loved his country, and that love was evident in the relationships he created at the VFW Duwel Post 7570 and American Legion Post 199. John married Jean Duwel on May 28, 1955, and they were soon blessed with four children: Pam, Jennifer, Tony and Jill.  John supported his family by working at Chevron, where he worked his way up to foreman.  After retirement he enjoyed traveling around the country.  Where there was a casino, John would point the car or take a train to try his luck.  When he wasn't winning big at Texas Hold'em or Poker, he enjoyed sports, especially bowling and horseshoes, and traveled to tournaments all over. He shared his love for sports, cards and games with his grandchildren. Teaching them how to play 500 Rummy and hit a croquet ball. He also loved taking trips to big sporting events together: horse races, car racing, baseball, and football games. John never passed up the opportunity to tell a lady she was beautiful. He was a charmer and even though sometimes he embarrassed his family, they smile at the memories they have of John.  He will be dearly missed.

Those to carry on his legacy are his dear children: Pam Kerns, Jennifer Niehaus, Tony Jonas, Jill (Tobey) Woolwine; grandchildren: Michelle (Matt) Southerington, Adam (Nikki) Roether, Ryan (Ally) Kerns, Amanda (Adam) Singer, Nick (Kayla) Niehaus, Katie and Elizabeth Jonas, Tyler (Rachel) Wilson, Landon and Connor Wilson; cherished great-grandchildren: Haedyn, Christian and Kaelyn Roether, Ella Southerington, Winter and Vivienne Kerns, Eden Singer and Kinley Niehaus; sisters: Margaret “Margie” Betscher and Mary May; sister-in-law: Peggy Jonas. Also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Preceded in death by his beautiful wife: Jean Jonas; parents: Charles and Frances Jonas; siblings: Rita (Dale) Viel, Charles (Betty) Jonas, Cornelius “Corny” Jonas; brothers-in-law: Jim Betscher and Jerome May.

Visitation will be at Brater Winter Funeral Home, 201 S. Vine St. Harrison Ohio, 45030 on Friday, June 16, 2023, from 4 pm to 7 pm.  Mass of Christian Burial will be at St. John the Baptist Church, 10010 Carolina Trace Rd, Harrison, Ohio 45030 on Saturday, June 17, 2023, at 10 am.  Burial will follow at Holy Guardian Angels' Catholic Cemetery, Cedar Grove, with Military Honors provided by the Southeastern Indiana Honor Guard. A celebration of his life will be held at VFW Duwel Post 7570 immediately following the graveside services.

Memorials may be made to St. Jude's Hospital in John's memory. A funeral home representative will be available during the visitation and prior to the funeral mass to help with donations.  If you are unable to attend, mail your donation (made payable to St. Jude's) to Brater Winter Funeral Home; they will notify the family of your donation and forward donation.

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