John Robert DeRing

John Robert DeRing, 75, born June 8, 1948 in Elizabeth, New Jersey, passed away in Columbus, Ohio on January 10, 2024. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Beryl DeRing, parents-in-law, Stan and Nancy Bahorek, and beloved wife Kathy DeRing.

John is survived by his daughter Dana (Jon) Bagwell, grandson Stanley Bagwell, son Johnny (Rachael) DeRing, grandson Jack DeRing, brother-in-law Stanley (Jan) Bahorek, nephews Stanley Bahorek (Ethan Heard) and Matthew (Kelli) Bahorek, great-nieces Claire and Eloise Bahorek, and many other family members and friends. 

John was a dedicated educator, spending 35 years teaching the blind and visually impaired in Columbus City Schools. After spending the bulk of his career at Whetstone High School, he retired in 2005 from Woodward Park Middle School. He was passionate about coaching, spending over 40 years coaching baseball, basketball, softball, and swimming. In addition, he managed swimming pools for more than 50 years, in the summers while teaching, and then year round after retirement. Some of his fondest memories were of his time working in Dublin. He immensely enjoyed the time with "his kids'' at the rec center. 

John was proudest of being a member of C-Row in The Best Damn Band in the Land from 1966 to 1971. He faithfully attended every reunion for over 50 years, until his health prevented his attendance in 2023.

In lieu of flowers. please make donations to the Script Ohio Club. Donations can be mailed to The Script Ohio Club, PO Box 14769, Columbus, Ohio, 43214. Payments should be made to "The Ohio State University,” noting fund #607138. Your donation will support the TBDBITL Scholarship Fund.

John's service will be held at Shaw-Davis Funeral Home in Clintonville on Saturday, January 27. Visitation will begin at 8:30am, followed by the service at 10:30, and ending at Union Cemetery in Columbus, Ohio. Pastor, and dear friend, Richard Jones officiating. 

In honor of John, please wear your favorite OSU spirit wear, or dress in scarlet and gray. 

Dana would like to extend her heartfelt thanks to the staff at Capital City Hospice for their support and guidance over the last 8 months. Every member of their team contributed to easing the pain of an unbelievably difficult time for her.