JOHN C XENOS – CLASS OF 1958

JOHN C XENOS – CLASS OF 1958

Xenos, John C. of Holly, Michigan

1935 – 2021

Xenos, John C. was a caring husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend.  He left this world after a long battle with thyroid cancer on December 22, 2021 at the age of 86.

John was born to Sam and Suzanne Xenos on May 6, 1935. After graduating from high school, John attended Western Michigan University; he would later go on and earn his Master’s Degree from the University of Michigan. While attending Western Michigan, John married his high school sweetheart and love of his life, Diane. Together, they had 2 children who married Pamela (Thomas) Jackson and Michael (Jennifer) Xenos. He later became a doting Grandfather to Meghan and Thomas. John and Diane were married for 60 years until she went to heaven in 2017.

John was proud of his military service in the Army as a tank Captain. He knew more about tanks than anyone should and he loved to share his knowledge with others. In fact, during his time living in Tennessee he found his dream job giving tours at the Crossville Military Museum, where he was paid a bottle of water per day. John dedicated his career to education in various capacities and eventually opened the Southwest Oakland Vocational Education Center, where he serviced as the Director.

When John retired both he and Diane moved to Tennessee, he would say the mountains were calling him. Both John and Diane were avid golfers and joined many organizations in the community. They enjoyed over 20 years in the beautiful mountains of Tennessee. John was a wonderful father and grandfather and friend. He adored his grandchildren and made every visit special with projects, magic tricks and adventures.

In 2014 John and Diane moved back to Michigan and settled into Independence Village to be closer to family. He often said he left Michigan because of the bad roads, bad weather and taxes and 20 years later they were still the same. Independence Village became his home, even after he lost his beloved Diane. John loved to share his stories with other residents and the Independence Village staff, many who he grew very close to. He also loved to learn about the lives of those who he came into contact with. John connected with people; he had a gift to truly listen to others because he cared. He was quick witted and very wise; he showed great strength, spirit and courage as the disease progressed. John is greatly missed by his family, dear friends as well as those who only had the opportunity to know him a short time. He will forever be in our hearts.

At John’s request, a military funeral will be held at 2:00 pm, Friday, April 8, 2022 at Great Lakes National Cemetery, 4200 Belford Rd., Holly, MI 48442. Memorial donations in John's memory may be made to Wounded Warriors or Tunnel to Towres Foundation.