John Richard Stine, Sr.

John Richard Stine, Sr., age 83, of Savanna, IL, passed away at his home on July 26, 2023. A celebration of John’s life will be from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., Friday, August 11, 2023 at Law Jones Funeral Home in Savanna.

John was born March 14, 1940, in Charleston, IL, the son of Paul and Jeanetta “Halene” (Scott) Stine. He graduated from Charleston High School with the class of 1958 and soon enlisted in the United States Army. John proudly served his country for 24 years, including three tours in Vietnam. On February 8, 1963, John married Dorcas “Dodie” Finch. They would go on to have five children, and remain by each-other’s side for life.

After his military career John attended Lakeland College, earning degrees in business and law enforcement. He and Dodie moved their family to Savanna in 1985 so John could begin work at the Savanna Army Depot, and later, the Rock Island Arsenal.

John was a fighter who beat cancer multiple times, and was a survivor of agent orange. He was passionate about helping fellow veterans in need and advocating for the care they deserve. In his younger years, he enjoyed fishing and hunting, and as he aged, he and Dodie rarely missed an episode of Wheel of Fortune. He’d watch the history channel and crime shows almost daily, and loved to cheer on Mark Martin in NASCAR. He also read the bible regularly, owning many different copies.

Most importantly though, John loved his family. He cherished his wife, children, and especially his grandchildren. He will be dearly missed. He is survived by his wife, Dodie; sons, Roy (Esther) Clarus-Stine, of Hemsbach, Germany, John (Tracy) Stine, of Charleston, IL, and Eddie (Sabrina) Stine, of Hanover, IL; daughters, Karla (Howard) Maupin, of Charlston and Bonnie Mann, of Savanna; 15 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; and eight great-great-grandchildren. John is preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Halene; sister, Paula Sue (infant); granddaughter, Sam; and grandson, Dalton (infant).