Obituaries 16 February 2026

John William Carraher

The Highland County Press - Staff Photo - Create Article
John William Carraher

It is with heavy hearts that we share that John William Carraher, of Sardinia, crossed his final finish line on Friday, Feb. 13, 2026 at Clermont Mercy Hospital in Batavia, just a month after his 77th birthday.

He was born Jan. 13, 1949 in Cincinnati, the son of the late John William Carraher Sr. and Ada Mary (Upton) Carraher.

John was a man who couldn't sit still, whether he was drag racing in his younger days, serving his country in the Army, farming the land, or behind the wheel of a semi, he was always moving. He was a die-hard NASCAR fan and never happier than when he was around his pulling truck.

But for all his toughness and the 35-year battle he fought against Parkinson's, he had a soft side, too. He loved his family, adored his grandkids, and to the very end, never met a dessert he could turn down. He will be missed for his grit, sense of humor and his love for all things fast. John was his family's hero and will be dearly missed every day, but he is finally at peace. He's back in the driver's seat now.

Surviving are his wife, Gail Carraher whom he married April 21, 1979 in Hillsboro; a son, John William D. (Heather) Carraher III; a daughter, Jodi (Matthew) Gallogly; four grandchildren, Adilynn, Connor, Allyson and Cara; five siblings, Nancy (John) Clements, Robert (Joanna) Carraher, Charles Bradley (Carol) Carraher, Mary Catherine (John) Stricker and James Douglas (Kristy) Carraher; and many nieces and nephews.

A memorial Mass will be celebrated at St. Mary Catholic Church in Hillsboro, Saturday, Feb. 21 at noon with the Rev. Scott Morgan as celebrant. Interment will follow in the Mowrystown Cemetery, Mowrystown, where the Highland County Veterans Honor Guard will conduct full military honors.

Friends will be received at St. Mary Catholic Church Saturday, Feb. 21 from 10 a.m. until the time of Mass at noon.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in John's memory may be made to the Ohio Veterans Home, Georgetown, Ohio or Michael J. Fox Parkinson's Foundation. To sign the online guest book, go to www.edgingtonfuneralhomes.com.
 

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