John D. Price was born in Akron, Ohio, on November 6, 1931, to parents Ilah and John K. Price. He attended school in Sharon Center, Ohio, and left to join the military in 1950. In 1952, John married Helen Winter, and they had 3 children. They remained married until her passing in 2007.
John was devoted to his family, and he took pride in being a husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. John made it a priority to spend time with his wife and 3 children. Their favorite activity together was camping. He showed his love to his grandchildren in many ways, but most memorably by spending time fishing and tubing on his pontoon boat in Apple Valley. John took immense pride in his growing family with the addition of great-grandchildren and deeply cherished being a great-grandfather.
He shared the past 16 years of companionship with Sylvia Little. Sylvia and her family were an important part of his life. They enjoyed shopping, going out to eat, and going to church together. John was strong in his faith and an active member of Mount Vernon Church of Christ. He loved his church community and was very proud to call himself a Christian and one of God’s children.
John served in the US Navy from 1950 to 1954. He was a Third-Class Quartermaster-Signalman on the USS McKean (DD-784) during the Korean War. He was a gifted storyteller and loved sharing his memories of his time at sea. His firsthand accounts were valued by others, leading to interviews throughout his life and even documentation in the book Blind Man’s Bluff: The Untold Story of American Submarine Espionage. John became a Mason in October 1967.
He was a dedicated and active member of the Masonic and fraternal community. He was a member of Mt. Zion Lodge No. 0, F&AM, where he served as Worshipful Master in 2000 and 2010. He also was a member of Knox Chapter No. 236 Order of the Eastern Star, where he served seven times as Worthy Patron. His fraternal affiliations further included the Scottish Rite, Valley of Columbus; York Rite Bodies, including Chapter Council, and Commandery; Kam Ram Grotto; and Ohio Priory No. 18, Knights of the York Cross of Honor. Through his many years of service and leadership, he demonstrated a lasting commitment to brotherhood, fellowship, and principles of Freemasonry.
Above all, he will be remembered for his sharp mind, goofy personality, and the lasting impact he had on all the people who knew and loved him. The memories he created, the lessons he passed down, and the love he shared will continue to live on through his family and all those whose lives he touched.
John is survived by daughter Karen Stipkovich, daughter-in-law Katherine Price; grandchildren John Eric (Natalie) Price, Isaac (Stephanie) Coakley, Meredith (Michael) Garman, Cassandra (Jason) Schroeder, Kyle (Julie) Stipkovich, and Kristen Stipkovich; great-grandchildren Amelia, Kientzy, Benjamin, Ellie, Henry, Emma, Otto, Riley, and Layla; and his longtime companion Sylvia Little.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John K. and Ilah Price; siblings James and Barbara; wife Helen Price; son John Louis Price; daughter Shirley Price; niece Becky; and nephew Jim.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 15, 2026, from 1:00 – 3:00 PM at Snyder Funeral Home-Lasater Chapel, 11337 Upper Gilchrist Road in Mount Vernon. Masonic services will begin at 3:00 PM followed by funeral services. Military honors will be conducted by the Knox County Joint Veterans Council.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in John’s name to the Mount Vernon Church of Christ at 1200 Newark Rd, Mt. Vernon, OH 43050.
To express condolences to the Price family, please visit www.snyderfuneralhomes.com
Funeral Home: Snyder Funeral Home-Lasater Chapel
Website: www.snyderfuneralhomes.com