John Basil Cyrus, 86

ORRVILLE — John Basil Cyrus, age 86, of Orrville, passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday, June 11, 2026, following a period of declining health.

John was born on April 16, 1940, in Holden, West Virginia, to the late John and Mary (Bartram) Cyrus. He proudly served his country as a Specialist 4 in the United States Army during the Vietnam War.

On June 20, 1981, he married Mildred Mae Ressecker in Mt. Eaton. Mildred preceded him in death on June 3, 2009.

John worked as a Core Machiner at Orrville Products before later serving as a Millwright for PCA in Rittman.

He was a faithful member of Good News Baptist Church in Smithville and a member of both the Orrville and Wooster VFW posts. An avid outdoorsman, John enjoyed fishing, hunting, and spending time wrenching and tinkering on various projects.

He is survived by two sons, James Cyrus and Mitchell (Lori) Cyrus; a daughter, Melinda Mae Jones; two stepdaughters, Billie Jean (Jake) Freetage and Rachel (Bill) Erwin; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; a brother, Orben (Katherine) Cyrus of Akron; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

In addition to his wife and parents, John was preceded in death by his son, John Basil Cyrus, Jr.; brothers, Minnis, James, and Wilburn Cyrus; and sisters, Elizabeth Cyrus Propps and Mildred Cyrus.

Friends may call on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at Auble Funeral Home, 512 East Oak Street, Orrville, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at the funeral home, with Pastor Al Pacheco officiating. Burial will follow at Sherwood Memorial Gardens in Wooster, where military honors will be conducted.

Memorial contributions may be made to Good News Baptist Church, 238 N. Milton St., Smithville, OH 44677.

Online registry and expressions of condolence may be shared at www.aublefuneralhomes.com.