John Cary Koppert

John Cary Koppert, age 74, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 3, 2023 in hospice care in Chattanooga, TN. 

Raised in Hilliard, Ohio, Cary was a graduate of Hilliard High School and later The Ohio State University. He led a full life, and along with his wife Donna, owned Pony Express Way Station Restaurant of Grove City, OH for many years and enjoyed a fulfilling and rewarding career as an educator. During his time at OSU and following graduation, he proudly served in the US Army Reserves. Cary was a proud Delta Chi Fraternity alumnus and served on the Alumni Board of Trustees and Board of Directors of The Ohio State University Delta Chi House Company. He was an avid fan of the The Ohio State Buckeyes. Cary loved his family deeply, including his dog Sadie, who frequently traveled around town in the back seat of Cary’s car. A storyteller, a mentor, and an enthusiastic youth soccer coach - John Cary was a brother to many and a stranger to none.

He is preceded in death by his father, Jack Koppert; mother, Jean Koppert (Smith); brothers, Kevin Koppert and Phil Smith; cousins, Marc McClain & Rob Koppert; and brother-in-law, James Bowman. 

He is survived by his loving wife of 37 years, Donna; sons, Jack (Janna) Koppert and Todd (Elizabeth; sons William and Andrew) Christy; sister, Rae (Mark) White; step-father, Ted Smith; nephews, Ryden (Caroline) and Tyler (Jen) Harriott; Tanner and Collin Koppert; nieces, Raleigh (Kwangho) Song, Taylor Koppert, Sydney, Tori, and Ashley Smith; brother-in-law, Marshall (Geraldine) Bowman; sister-in-law, Toni Koppert; cousins, Eric (Dana) and Bruce Koppert; Jill (Tom) Charlton; Jami (Bob) Gray; Mike McClain; Jack (Kathy) Jose; and beloved friend, Don Snavely.

A celebration of his life will be held at a later date.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in memory of John Cary Koppert to the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) of Bradley County, ATTN: Treasurer, PO Box 703, Cleveland, TN 37364-0703 or www.spcabctn.org/donate.