John Saunders, 41, of Greenwich, Ohio, passed away on Thursday, April 17, 2025.  A Greenwich / Tri-Community firefighter, he gave his life in the line of duty while courageously battling a house fire.

John was born on April 17, 1984 in Oberlin, Ohio and was a 2002 graduate of Western Reserve High School and EHOVE Career Center.  John was employed with R & L Carriers of Norwalk for 21 years. Having served on the fire department for 15 years, John was a dependable presence for his community in its most urgent moments.  Beyond his service as a firefighter, John was a passionate truck pulling enthusiast.  He was a proud member of the Central Ohio Truck Pulling Circuit (COTPC). He played a leading role in organizing the Greenwich Fireman's Festival Truck and Tractor Pulls, an event that brought excitement and unity to the town he loved.

Above all, John was a devoted family man who worked tirelessly to care for and support his loved ones.  His legacy of service, strength, and selflessness will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

John is survived by his mother and step-father, Lisa (Jackson) and Brian Pleska of Norwalk; daughter, Kila Stillion; son, Kaden Saunders; his beloved dog, Duramax, all of Willard; brother, Brad (Alesia Rieger) Saunders of Wakeman, maternal grandparents, Betty and Charlie "Smokey" Jackson of Wakeman; nieces and nephews, Dylan and Danielle Rieger, Sean and Carsyn Saunders, and Norah Dittman; girlfriend, Bailey Yarosh of Willard; and several aunts and uncles.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Buck and Laura Saunders.

Visitation and service will be held at the Huron County Fairgrounds, 940 Fair Road, Norwalk, Ohio, 44857.  Visitation will take place on Friday, April 25, 2025 from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. and again on Saturday, April 26, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.  John's Funeral Service will begin at 1:00 p.m.  Burial will follow at the Camden Township Cemetery, on US Hwy 20, Kipton, OH.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Tri-Community Fire Department, 49 Main Street, Greenwich, Ohio 44837.

Eastman Funeral Home is honored to serve the Saunders family and the community of Greenwich.  Online condolences and fond memories may be shared by visiting www.eastmanfuneralhome.com.

Contact Kenn Rospert of the Northern Ohio FOOLS with any questions about the apparatus placement for procession. (419) 217-7154