John Eathen Fast, age 80, of rural Celina, passed away at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, October 31, 2017 at Mercy Health-St. Rita's Medical Center in Lima.

Born January 10, 1937 in Celina, he was the eldest child of the late Carson C. & Loretta M. (Now) Fast.

John and Ada Ruth (Enyart) were married on June 25, 1960, and she survives, along with their daughter, Twyla (Pete) Hayes of Rockford, son, John Douglas (Tammey) Fast of Live Oak, FL, and four grandchildren: Jared Hayes, Nicholas (Elizabeth) Hayes, Ethan (Rachel) Hayes and Jeremy (Marischa) Fast, and five great grandchildren. Also surviving are his brothers & sisters: Wilma Snyder of Dublin, Larry (Mary Lou) Fast of Sylvania, Janis (Ron) Malish of Centerville, James (Pat) Fast of St. Marys and Vickie (Rick) Muse of Westerville, and his in-laws: Mary Fast, Mary (Gene) Steiner, Joshua Howell, Mae Enyart and Jean Enyart.

Preceding John in death were his brother, Dean Fast, and in-laws: Dorothy (Robert) Flore, Don Enyart, Barbara En-yart, Jean Howell, Mike Enyart and Jerry Enyart.

A 1955 graduate of Rockford High School, John was a lifelong farmer in Hopewell Township. He arose every morning at 5:30 a.m. to read the Bible before beginning his work day. After 43 years of service, John retired as an inspector from Huffy Bicycles. He was a lifelong member of Mt. Tabor Church of God, Celina.

A very generous person, John enjoyed cutting wood which he gave away. In the one-room schoolhouse on his farm, John spent time doing woodworking projects.

He was extremely interested in history and geography, and wrote a book entitled "John E. Fast's U.S.A., State by State, County by County," containing history and interesting facts about each county and every state. John printed copies of his research to give to anyone interested.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday November 4 at Mt. Tabor Church of God, Celina, with Pastor Darwin Dunten and Pastor Richard Van Horn officiating. Burial will follow at Mercer Memory Gardens, Celina.

Calling Hours are 4:00-8:00 p.m., Friday, November 3 at W.H. Dick & Sons-Hellwarth Funeral Home in Celina, and an hour prior to the time of services on Saturday at the church.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Mt. Tabor Church of God or the Cancer Association of Mercer County.

Condolences may be expressed to the family online at dickandsonshellwarthfh.com.