John William Humston

John William Humston, loving father of Ashley Shahan (Mike Cowan) Humston, William Cody (Carissa) Humston and Jared James Humston, cherished grandfather of Levon William Humston, adored brother of Mary Catherine (Mitchell) Brogdon and James Wesley (Beverly) Humston, died in his home on Monday, November 30, 2020 at the age of 65. He was preceded in death by his parents, William Wesley Humston and Mary Irene (nee Beaulac), and his stepfather Donald Bonecutter.

John graduated from The Ohio State University in 1976 with a Bachelor of Science in Natural Resources. He went on to graduate from the Cleveland Metroparks Ranger Training Academy in 1979.

John started his career in 1977 with the Greene County Parks & Trails Ranger Division. Throughout his years there, his many titles included: Naturalist, Outdoor Specialist, Ranger, and Environmental Education Protection Specialist. John was responsible for land, water, wildlife, and forestry management. He developed, implemented, and managed law enforcement, outdoor education, and recreation. He was blessed to live on site as Resident Caretaker for their 166 acre nature preserve. He implemented education programs for general public and schools and developed and supervised the construction of an environmental education center, along with a mobile nature interpretation museum.

From 1981 until 1987, John was the Executive Director for the Warren County Park District. As Executive Director, John was responsible for the initial development of a newly funded county agency as a separate political subdivision governed by the Ohio Revised Code. Major accomplishments included the adoption of a County Park, Recreation, and Open Space Plan. He managed budget and financial planning, purchasing, performed public relations to promote awareness of programs and services, and advised the Board of Park Commissioners on formal policy regarding operations, administration, acquisition, development, and planning.

From 1987 until 1993, John was the Business Manager for Warren County Community Services. He authored successful State of Ohio grants and designed, constructed, and managed all aspects of a multi-material household recycling center in Lebanon, Ohio. He also served as Technical Advisory Council Chairman for the Clinton-Warren Counties Solid Waste Management Districts.

From 1990 until 1995, John donated his free time to the South Lebanon Athletic Association, where he was active on the board and volunteered as a head coach for girls softball.

From 1993 until 2010, John worked as a self-employed contractor in all phases of residential and commercial construction while consulting for park, recreation, and open space/flood management planning. He worked briefly for a number of engineering firms and also spent 10 of those years as a proud employee of The Kroger Company.

John’s biggest joys in life were his children, the outdoors (especially fishing), the years he spent coaching girls softball, and always rooting for THE Ohio State Buckeyes.

Private graveside services will be held by the family at Woodland Cemetery in Xenia, Ohio. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Greene County Parks & Trails, Attn: Michelle Jenkins, 635 Dayton-Xenia Road, Xenia, Ohio 45385.

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