John R. Texter 1931-2026

Born June 5, 1931, to John and Helen Gulas Texter, John lived a life defined by faith, service, hard work and devotion to his family and community. Above all else, he cherished his family and was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle and friend.

John graduated from Campbell Memorial High School in 1948.

John’s strong work ethic began at an early age when he worked as a caddy at the Campbell Golf League in the early 1940s. During his high school years, he worked as an usher at the Bell Theatre, where he met the love of his life, Vera Campione, who worked in the ticket booth. Their chance meeting blossomed into a beautiful love story that would span a lifetime.

Following graduation, John worked for Ruscoe Storm Windows before answering the call to serve his country. A proud veteran, he served as a private first class in the United States Marine Corps from 1952 to 1954 during the Korean War era. He was stationed at Camp Geiger and Camp Lejeune in Jacksonville, North Carolina, and served honorably with dedication and pride.

On Aug. 7, 1954, John married the love of his life and high school sweetheart, Vera Campione. Together, they built a beautiful life centered on faith, family and love.

After returning home from military service, John continued his education while building his career and family. Through hard work and determination, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration from Youngstown State University in 1964.

After his military service, John worked as a route salesman for Grennan Cook Book Cakes. In December 1954, he began a long and successful career with Youngstown Sheet & Tube at the LTV Steel Works, serving in the accounting department cost division for 26 years until the plant’s closure in 1979.

Throughout his life, John continued to work in a variety of positions, including at Lincoln Place, the Youngstown State University Bursar’s Office and Athletic Department, and Hardee’s Corporation.

Many throughout the Mahoning Valley also knew him as “Tex” behind the bar. He worked as a bartender at numerous local establishments, including the Georgetown, the Brentford House and various catering venues, where his friendly personality and warm smile made him a favorite among patrons and friends alike.

John was deeply committed to serving his fellow veterans through the American Legion. He faithfully served Campbell Memorial Post 560 as first vice commander, post commander, adjutant, and chaplain. His dedication to honoring veterans was evident through the many prayer services he conducted during calling hours at funeral homes and the military honors services he participated in at cemeteries for fellow American Legion members.

A man of deep faith, John was a devoted member of St. Lucy Parish, where he faithfully served as an altar server for both regular Masses and funeral liturgies. His dedication to his church, his fellow parishioners and families experiencing loss reflected the compassion, humility and servant’s heart that defined his life.

John believed strongly in giving back to his community and was actively involved in numerous organizations. He was a member of the Campbell Gridiron Club, a life member of Marine Corps League Tri-State Detachment 494, a member of St. Lucy Men’s Society, and served as a past vice-president and president, and was a lay leader of prayer. He was a longtime member of the Campbell Golf League since 1960, a member of the Youngstown State University Alumni Association, and served as president of the 1418 Senior Group. Through these organizations, he formed lifelong friendships and dedicated countless hours to serving others.

John is survived by his son, John Texter and his wife, Anne Texter; his daughter, Renee Young and her husband, Denny Young; his grandchildren, Dana (Eric) Mitchell, Myron (Ashley) Drissen, Colan Texter, Caila Texter and Rachel (Rich) Oaklief; his great-grandchildren, Maci, Austin, Genevieve, Giuliana, Myron, Michael John, Colton, Graham and Stella; his sister, Helen George; and sister-in-law, Diane Texter. He also leaves many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, fellow veterans and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Vera Campione Texter; his parents, John and Helen Gulas Texter; his brothers, Edward Texter and Raymond Texter; and his sisters, Eleanor Hierro and her husband, Frank Hierro; Irene Labanc and her husband, Larry Labanc; and Mary Ann Fatolitis and her husband, Pete Fatolitis.

He was also preceded in death by many cherished members of the Campione family, including George and Millie Campion, Clara Woychik and Joe Casel, Harold and Alice Campion, Theresa and Mike Zetts, Mary and John Mazais, Bill George, Victoria and Sylvester Frazzini; father-in-law, Frank Campione, and mothers-in-law, Maude Campione and Rose Campione.

John’s legacy is one of faith, patriotism, service and unwavering love for family. Whether serving his country, supporting his church, honoring fellow veterans, mentoring friends or spending time with those he loved most, he lived a life devoted to others. He touched countless lives through his kindness, generosity, humor and steadfast example.

Though our hearts are broken, we find comfort in knowing that John is reunited with his beloved Vera and those who went before him. His influence will continue to live on through the family he cherished, the community he served and the many lives he touched throughout his remarkable life.

He will be deeply missed, forever loved and never forgotten.

The Texter family has entrusted John’s care to the Wasko Funeral Home in Campbell, where calling hours will be 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 9, 2026.

Prayers will be at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, June 10, 2026, at the funeral home, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. at Christ the Good Shepherd Parish, Reed Avenue in Campbell.

John will be laid to rest beside his wife, Vera, in St. John the Baptist Roman Catholic Cemetery in Lowellville, where his military service will be remembered with full military honors rendered by the Tri-State Marine Corps League 494.

The family wishes that all who desire to honor and remember John’s life do so by donating in his name to Boys Town.

To view this obituary and to leave condolences with the Texter family, visit www.waskofamily.com.

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