In loving memory of
John Raymond Cattell
1947 - 2026
DEFIANCE, OHIO – John Raymond Cattell, age 79, of Defiance, passed away peacefully at CHP Inpatient Hospice Center of Defiance, surrounded by family on Friday, June 26, 2026. He was born on May 26, 1947, to the late Ray and Margaret Jean (Garver) Cattell in Lima, Ohio. He graduated from Ayersville High School in 1965 and attended Defiance College.
After his studies, John worked at NW Orient Airlines and became a Certified Travel Consultant for several years. On September 12, 1969, he married the love of his life, Kay Stevenson before serving in the United States Army from 1969-1971 as a Chaplain’s Assistant.
John was a dedicated member of First Church of God in Defiance for several years. His love for Christ inspired him to do more. He became a Pastor at the age of 57 by the Northwest Ohio Baptist Association. He was ordained in 2005 and founded The Disciple House Ministry. John also served as Lead Chaplain at Corrections Center of Northwest Ohio (CCNO).
He also loved a lifetime of camping with his family and traveling. John will always be remembered for his laugh, telling jokes and just having fun! He created unique and cool Halloween costumes for his daughter, Lynn. John also enjoyed sitting on the back deck talking with his friends, enjoying nature and taking back road rides with his family.
John is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Kay Cattell; daughter, Lynn Marie; grandson, Dakota Ray; granddaughter, Dana Marie; sister, Cindy Shong; and a host of nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he is proceeded in death by his sister, Marianne Courtaway; and nephew, Jason Courtaway.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, from 10:00-11:00 AM at First Church of God, 561 Carter Rd, Defiance, OH 43512. A Christian memorial service will follow at 11:00 AM at the church with Pastor Larry Kennedy officiating. John’s final resting place will be at Ayersville Cemetery.
Flowers may be delivered to the church on Tuesday between 8:00-10:00 AM. Memorial donations may be made to Elara Caring in home hospice care in Toledo, CHP Defiance Area Inpatient Hospice Center or First Church of God, Defiance, in honor of John. Donation envelopes will be provided at the church. For additional information and to view John’s online obituary, please visit www.churchfuneralsdirect.com.
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After his studies, John worked at NW Orient Airlines and became a Certified Travel Consultant for several years. On September 12, 1969, he married the love of his life, Kay Stevenson before serving in the United States Army from 1969-1971 as a Chaplain’s Assistant.
John was a dedicated member of First Church of God in Defiance for several years. His love for Christ inspired him to do more. He became a Pastor at the age of 57 by the Northwest Ohio Baptist Association. He was ordained in 2005 and founded The Disciple House Ministry. John also served as Lead Chaplain at Corrections Center of Northwest Ohio (CCNO).
He also loved a lifetime of camping with his family and traveling. John will always be remembered for his laugh, telling jokes and just having fun! He created unique and cool Halloween costumes for his daughter, Lynn. John also enjoyed sitting on the back deck talking with his friends, enjoying nature and taking back road rides with his family.
John is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Kay Cattell; daughter, Lynn Marie; grandson, Dakota Ray; granddaughter, Dana Marie; sister, Cindy Shong; and a host of nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he is proceeded in death by his sister, Marianne Courtaway; and nephew, Jason Courtaway.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, from 10:00-11:00 AM at First Church of God, 561 Carter Rd, Defiance, OH 43512. A Christian memorial service will follow at 11:00 AM at the church with Pastor Larry Kennedy officiating. John’s final resting place will be at Ayersville Cemetery.
Flowers may be delivered to the church on Tuesday between 8:00-10:00 AM. Memorial donations may be made to Elara Caring in home hospice care in Toledo, CHP Defiance Area Inpatient Hospice Center or First Church of God, Defiance, in honor of John. Donation envelopes will be provided at the church. For additional information and to view John’s online obituary, please visit www.churchfuneralsdirect.com.
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Visitation 
- Tue, June 30, 2026
- 10:00 to 11:00 AM
- First Church of God
- 561 Carter Road
- Defiance, OH 43512
- Telephone: (419) 782-0861
Service
- Tue, June 30, 2026
- 11:00 AM
- First Church of God
- 561 Carter Rd.
- Defiance, OH 43512
- Telephone: (419) 782-0861
Additional Details
- If you need immediate assistance or have any question regarding the details of this funeral, please call 1.800.308.3590.
For additional information about ChurchFunerals Direct Network, please email your request to info@churchfuneralsdirect.com.
