John Oliver "Monk" Kail

John Oliver “Monk” Kail, 96, lifelong resident of Cheshire and Cheshire Township, passed away peacefully May 10, 2022. He was born Nov. 24, 1925, to Horace Alva and Marguerite Scott Kail. Monk graduated from Cheshire High School, joined the Merchant Marines during WWII, and served in both the Atlantic and Pacific theaters. He married Roberta Mae Allensworth on Feb. 9, 1946. After helping his father and grandfather on the family dairy farm, John began his employment at Kyger Creek Power Plant in 1955 and retired in 1988. John was a member of the First Families of Gallia County, Master Mason Siloam Lodge 456 where he was a member for 73 years, former member of Little Kyger Congregational Church, American Legion Pomeroy (post 39), and staunch supporter and long-time trustee of Gravel Hill Cemetery. Along with his parents and his wife of 71 years, Oliver was preceded in death by his daughter, Mary North, and his son-in-law, James French. Surviving him are daughter, Sandra French (Westerville, OH); grandchildren, Lance (Deborah) French (Montgomery, OH), Tara (Mike) Tallarico (Commercial Point, OH), John (Jill) French (Westerville, OH), and John Thomas (Danielle) Morgan (Black Mt., NC); great grandchildren, Zachary, Stella, Alex French (Montgomery), Macy Tallarico (Commercial Point), Allison and Drew Oliver French (Westerville), Cora Mae Morgan (Black Mt., NC), and Janson Reese (Columbus); great great grandchild, Peyton Reese (Columbus); and dear cousin, Robert E. Swisher, who was like a brother for Oliver’s entire life. Monk loved and found glory in being with his family. The funeral service for Monk will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, May 13, 2022 at Willis Funeral Home with Pastor Mel Mock officiating. His burial will follow in Gravel Hill Cemetery. Friends may call on Friday at the funeral home from 12:00 p.m. until the time of the service. Military Rites will be given at the graveside by American Legion Post 39. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in John’s name to Gravel Hill Cemetery, P.O. Box 101, Cheshire, OH 45620. Please visit www.willisfuneralhome.com to send e-mail condolences.