John Stanley Aston, Iii

John Stanley Aston, III died unexpectedly on February 15, 2022, surrounded by his loving family after surgery. John was born on January 4, 1946, to the late John and Bernice (Reed) Aston in Toledo, Ohio.

John graduated from Macomber High School in 1964 and then worked for Ford Motor Company the next three decades, first in Dearborn Michigan, then in Maumee, Ohio and finally in Woodhaven, Michigan. After “retirement,” he worked for Ohio Concrete Sawing and Drilling. He maintained and cherished lifelong friendships with coworkers from both employers as well as his neighbors.

People will remember John for his size and red hair (earning him the nickname “Big Red” during his tenure at Ford Motor Company), being the neighborhood tool outlet (he had everything and if he didn’t, he would find an excuse to buy it), willingness to tackle any challenge, desire to chase fire trucks, his years driving the boat for skiers and tubers, or the noise from his power tools, bellowing, or general presence.

He was a master handyman who could fix or design anything and had a knack for remembering obscure facts and details about everything. In fact, John’s never-ending to-do list remains available for completion. He was also great at home improvements, taking photographs, and talking to anyone and everyone that would listen. His unique approach to problem solving and breadth of knowledge made him the first call for many at work and, of course, his children, when problems arose. He also spent hours exploring Michigan and Ohio on his car ride adventures with his wife and dog, Beethoven. He recently spent many hours, that he enjoyed, traveling with his sister, Marion Cary, and niece, Christy Tipping.

John was a dedicated husband that adored his wife of 55 years, Sue (Brown), and together, they had three children: Amy (Rick) Butler, Andy (Amanda), and Heidi (Clif) Whitehouse. He is also survived by grandchildren Hannah (Chris), Joe, Carolyn, John, Emma, Ava, Owen and Olivia; sisters Sue (Robert, deceased) Braunstein (Bellevue, WA) and Marion Cary; brother Skip (Lynn) Aston; many nieces and nephews; and many lifelong friends, all of whom will cherish his memories and enjoy the “projects” John had completed.

Family and friends will be received on Sunday, February 27, 2022 from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and on Monday, February 28, 2022 from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at which time the funeral service will begin at Walker Funeral Home, 5155 West Sylvania Avenue, Toledo, Ohio followed by burial at Toledo Memorial Park.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Toledo Metroparks. Online condolences may be shared with family at: walkerfuneralhomes.com.