John W. Fairless, Jr, 86, Perrysville, Ohio, formerly of South Charleston, WV, passed away peacefully on June 4, 2025, while in hospice care.

He was born in Massillon, Ohio January 25, 1939, to John W. and Jean Fairless. John was a 1957 graduate of Massillon Washington High School where he enjoyed singing in the choir and processing game film for the legendary Massillon Tigers football team. He graduated from Morris Harvey College (University of Charleston) in 1962. After a career in sales, he transitioned to the funeral industry, graduating from the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science, he became the managing funeral director at Snodgrass Funeral Home in South Charleston, West Virginia. He was the former President of the South Charleston Chamber of Commerce, South Charleston Rotary Club and the South Charleston Public Library. He was the Senior Warden of the Vestry for All Saints Episcopal Church, South Charleston.

Upon moving to Columbus, Ohio, John returned to sales and then followed his passion for wood working. John was happiest being near the water, whether on a sunset cruise on his boat at Pleasant Hill Lake or a beach vacation. He was an avid reader, preferring legal thrillers, suspense and mystery novels. He enjoyed sitting on the deck overlooking the lake with a fine wine and a well-blended cigar.

John is survived by his wife, Susan; son, L.J. Fairless (Lia) of South Charleston, WV, daughter, Courtney Ann Fairless, of Loudonville, OH; five grandchildren, Ben Fairless, Francesca Fairless, Mike Zurich Serrato, Lauren Serrato and Josh Serrato.

A Memorial Service to Honor the Life of John will be held at 6:00 pm, Wednesday, July 2, 2025 at Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston. There will also be a gathering and celebration of John’s life on Saturday, August 2, 2025, at his home and favorite place on the lake in Perrysville, Ohio.

In lieu of flowers and to honor John’s passion for a good book, contributions in his name can be made to the Loudonville Public Library Living Legacy Foundation online at ashlandforgood.org/donate or by check to the Living Legacy Foundation, 122 E. Main St., Loudonville, OH 44842. Please designate your donation to go to general library support.

Online condolences and memories may be shared by visiting www.snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Arrangements are in care of Snodgrass Funeral Home.