John Edward Trees, 78, passed peacefully on Sunday, October 16, 2016, at Wesleyan Health and Rehabilitation Center. He was born in rural Jonesboro and grew up on a farm in rural Upland, the son of the late William “Bill” and Margaret “Ruth” (Schwark) Trees.
He graduated from Jefferson Township High School, Upland, in 1956.
John married Diana Walters on November 1, 1977, in Rockford, Ohio.
Mr. Trees was employed with RCA, Marion, in the 1960s and later was a truck driver for Malleable Iron, Croftons, Hi-Way Dispatch, and Jet Express.
John, who was also known as Termite, enjoyed hunting, fishing, and camping. He had fond memories of growing up on the farm and especially of his dad’s horses. John had a small team of Shetland Ponies that he bought and sold in the 1960s. He even brought one inside the house for Christmas.
Survivors include his wife of 38 years, Diana Trees, Marion; two sons, Brad (Carol) Trees, Avon and Brent Trees, Marion; two daughters, Joan Lavengood and Jill (David) Krovoza, both of Converse; his children’s mother, Carolyn Cox-Miller; two sisters, Lisa (Stan) Koontz, Upland and Debra “Janel” Lowe, Tennessee; nine grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren; and his beloved dogs, Jessie and Zeta.
He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, David Trees and William Joseph “Joe” Trees.