John F. Dove

JOHN F. DOVE, age 73, of Chardon, Ohio, passed away on July 30, 2026.

Beloved husband for 47 years of Mary (nee Hettinger); loving father of Katie (Jeremy), Downing, Karen Dove, Laura (Ben) Francis, Stephen (Christine) Dove, and the late Kristie Marie Dove; devoted grandfather of William and Logan Schwab, Emily and John Dove, Faith, Hope, and Anna Francis; cherished son of the late John and Betty (nee Postlethwait) Dove; dearest brother of Tom (Diane) Dove, Bob (Rita) Dove, and Dave (Leslie) Dove; beloved nephew of the late Mary Lou; dear uncle and friend to many.

John was born on February 10, 1953, in Willard, Ohio, to John H. Dove and Betty J. Dove (Postlethwait). He graduated from Willard High School, obtained his undergraduate degree from Moody Bible Institute and Liberty University and his graduate degree from Ashland Theological Seminary. John went on to become a pastor and ministered for 5 years in Greenville, PA and 31 years at the Hambden Congregational Church in Chardon, Ohio. Throughout his time in ministry, he touched countless lives, led many to the Lord, and taught the word of God with passion and love. He was blessed enough to retire from the Hambden Congregational church in 2017, having been the longest serving pastor in the church's 200+ year history in Chardon. John was passionate about the things and people that he loved and was a fun-loving person who's true joy came from making people laugh. John sought pleasure in fishing and listening to and watching sporting events, he was an avid fan of the Cleveland Indians. In life, he would go on bi-yearly non-hunting hunting trips with his friends, Dick and Bud. In the last year of his life, his puppies, Winnie and Arthur, brought him companionship, love, and encouragement that he valued greatly.

John married the love of his life in 1978. Together they had 5 children, all whom were cherished immensely by their father. John found the role of his life having kids- raising them with all the intention and love that he could. He had three main goals, to make sure they felt loved, to show them the love of Christ, and to make sure they had fun. A job that he surpassed, not only with his own children, but with his grandchildren as well.

Of all these loves, his number one priority was to love and serve his savior, Jesus Christ. Whether it was teaching his children, his congregation, a classroom of students, or all of his children's friends, he was unashamed of the gospel, and wanted everyone to find the fullness of joy that only comes from a relationship with Christ himself.

Everyone is invited to attend a Celebration of Life service on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at 11:00 am at the Hambden Congregational Church, located at 13840 GAR Hwy, Chardon, Oh 44024. There will be a lunch to follow.