YOUNGSTOWN – John William Averhart Jr., 66, also known as “Big John” and “June,” of 525 Redondo Road, departed this life at 10:41 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2, 2011, at St. Elizabeth Health Center with his wife and family at his bedside.

John was born on Sept. 18, 1945, in Youngstown, Ohio the loving son of John William Averhart Sr. and Lorene Williams Averhart.

He graduated from The Rayen School, Youngstown, Ohio on June 5, 1964, where he was an outstanding three year letterman in football, and a three year letterman in track and field. He also attended Youngstown State University.

John joined the Youngstown Police Department Nov. 1, 1967, and served as a police officer for 24 years, retiring Nov. 1, 1991.

He was a 57 year member of the New Bethel Baptist Church, former member of the Black Knights Police Association, Youngstown F.O.P Lodge No. 28, Active Supporter of the NAACP, and a member of AARP. John was also a committee member for the Boy Scouts of America Troop 55 of Youngstown.

Some of his outstanding achievements were being an inductee for The Rayen School Hall of Fame, and Employee of the Month for Northside Hospital in Jan. 1985.

John enjoyed traveling, watching The Ohio State University and Pittsburgh Steelers football games; military channel; western movies, fishing, woodworking, listening to music, dancing, telling jokes, and he loved spending time with his family. He was a friendly person that truly enjoyed helping people and talking with them.

John will be truly missed by his wife, children, family, and friends.

He is survived by his wife, Karen Mae (Bentley) Averhart, whom he married on Aug. 11, 1979; three daughters, Angelique C. Averhart of Charlotte, N.C., Twila C. Averhart, and Brittney N. Averhart, both of Youngstown; two sons, Jesse D. Averhart of Youngstown, and Brian D. ( Le-Toyja) Averhart of Sicklerville, N.J.; one brother, Louis (Brenda) Averhart Sr. of Youngstown; three sisters, Lorene (James) Buggs, Virginia (Raymond) Carter and Annie ( Robert) Fryson, all from Youngstown, OH; two grandchildren, Brianna D. Averhart and Tre_von R. Averhart, both of Sicklerville; one uncle, Freeman (Zera) Jones of Youngstown; one aunt, Debra Williams of Youngstown; several sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, whom he adored; and a host of nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, great-great-nieces and great-great-nephew, relatives, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents; uncles and aunts; a special niece, Wanda Brown; a nephew; and his mother-in-law, Effie Mae Bentley.

Friends may call Friday, Dec. 9, 2011, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. at the L.E. Black, Phillips & Holden Funeral Home, 1951 McGuffey Road.

Funeral services will be at 9 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 10, 2011, at the New Bethel Baptist Church, 1507 Hillman St. in Youngstown



Mahoning