John Paul Moellman

John Paul Moellman, 81, of Indian Land, SC passed into the hands of our Heavenly Father on Tuesday, October 25 at 4:20 PM. He is preceded in death by his parents, Bob and Mary, his uncle John, his brothers Bobby and Rick, and his son Dean. He leaves behind his beloved wife of 60 years Kathy, sister Peggy Thomas, sister-in-law Peggy Moellman, daughter Lisa Francis and husband Larry, grandson Nicholas and wife Nicole, granddaughter Logan Francis, and great granddaughter Laurel.

Born on June 9, 1941, in Covington, KY, John grew up the oldest of four siblings. His father served in the army in World War II and worked for the railroad during John’s childhood. His mother, Mary, worked as a bookkeeper, and later in life was active with the Catholic Ladies of Columbia. John was exceptionally close with his uncle; they enjoyed working on cars and going to events together. John attended high school at Covington Catholic high school in Park Hills, KY. While Covington Catholic was an all-boys school, he did meet his future wife, Kathy, the day after he graduated in 1959. They married three years later, on August 18, 1962.

John and Kathy began their life together on Rose Circle in Park Hills, KY. Their son, Richard Dean was born on July 16, 1963, and their daughter, Lisa Marie was born on September 23, 1965, both in Covington. While working during the day, John attended St. Thomas Moore College in the evenings, before the college had even established its permanent physical location. He graduated in 1966 and would proudly wear his class ring for the rest of his life. John spent his career in IT and moved with his family many times. He and his family spent many of their formative years in Erlanger, KY but subsequently moved to Columbus, OH, Memphis, TN, Sacramento, CA, Tucson, AZ, Garner, NC, Alexandria, VA, but ultimately called Indian Land, SC home. His grandson, Nicholas, was born on July 11, 1987, in Memphis, TN, his granddaughter, Logan, was born on September 5, 2002, in Plano, TX, and his great granddaughter, Laurel, was born on December 27, 2017, in Lexington, KY. His grandchildren knew him as Papa and looked upon him as a second father.

John was the quintessential caretaker, provider, and supporter. If those he loved were in need, he was their first call, first responder, and best friend. John loved life, and everything about it. He and his wife loved to travel and experience new places. He enjoyed an ice-cold Bud Light, a nice cigar, a home-cooked meal, and being disappointed by the Cleveland Browns. He and his wife retired to Sun City in Indian Land, SC and have been blessed with support, friendship, and love from their friends in their community. John was a member of Our Lady of Grace, supporting the parish since its inception and it was only folding chairs in a high school gymnasium. John was a faithful servant of the Lord, and a devoted Catholic. John was insistent that his passing should not be a time of sorrow, for he had passed into the eternal, loving embrace of the Father.

John, ever the planner and caretaker, composed his own memorial before his passing. His loved ones leave you with his words:

“Perhaps you aren’t ready yet to say good-bye. I’d like the memory of me to be a happy one. I’d told you not to worry about me. I’m with the Lord in heaven now. So don’t stand by my grave and weep for part of you went with me in my heart the day God called me home. I’m sorry that you’re feeling sad. I asked the Lord to ease your hurt and to comfort you. I’d like the tears of those who grieve to dry before happy memories fade away.”

While we may grieve the loss of someone so loved and cherished, we take comfort knowing he is resting in everlasting peace.