John Lester Sanborn, 89, passed away on January 31, 2026. Born on July 26, 1936 in

Longstreth, Ohio to Addis Hull Sanborn and Nora Marilla Ritchason Sanborn. He

was a graduate of Carbon Hill High School and served in the U. S. Marine Corp.

John married Ethel Louise Riegel (surviving) in 1957 and they enjoyed 68 years

together raising 3 children: John (Breena),  Ann (Dana) Goodwin and

Richard (Paula).

John was a 32nd degree Mason and a member of the Aladdin Shrine of Columbus.

He retired from Anheuser Busch after 23 years. He then went to work at Wagnalls

Memorial Library as a custodian for several years. John was an active member of several

churches, including Whitehall United Methodist, Groveport United Methodist,

and is currently a member of Peace United Methodist in Pickerington.

John loved his family, siblings, and friends. John never met a stranger. Wherever

he went he would find someone he knew or would get to know them pretty quickly.

He also enjoyed volunteering at the Veterans Administration in Columbus

where he was known as Big John.

Besides his wife and children, John is survived by 8 grandchildren, 16

great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in

death by siblings, Katherine, Monte, Merry, Bill, Jim, and Nick and

grandson, Rodney.

Friends may call at the MYERS-WOODYARD FUNERAL HOME 587 Main

Street in Groveport on Thursday, Februray 5, 2026 from 11 am until time of

the funeral service at 1 pm. There will be a Masonic Service just prior to the

funeral at 1 pm as well as Military Honors immediately after the service. Private

interment will follow at Lithopolis Cemetery, Lithopolis, Ohio.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Shriners Childrens Hospital in

honor of John.