John Schreiner

John Schreiner,74, a Toledo musician best known as the bass guitar player of popular oldies band, The Watermelon Men died Wednesday, August 28, 2024 in his home. John's passion for music began as a kid when he took drum lessons at the former Bleckner's music store in Toledo's historic Pythian Castle. Although he always maintained a day job, John performed in Toledo and area clubs beginning as a teenager. He and three high school friends first formed a group called Ronnie Dee and the Destinations and, with their small set list, found jobs playing high school parties and sock hops. Good luck and word of mouth soon landed them a gig at the popular Peppermint Club in downtown Toledo. By then they were known as the Hard Tymes and opened for some nationally known performers including Jerry Lee Lewis and Chuck Berry. Though he never learned to read music, John had innate talent, a good ear, and a natural ability to sing harmony. When the need arose for a bass guitar player, he switched to bass from drums and never looked back. Although an entertainer at heart, John was a family man and always kept a "day job," spending 32 years on the corner of Conant and Dussel in Maumee, first at Hatfield Olds, and later Jim White Honda. John had a contagious enthusiasm for life and a curiosity for all that it offered. He loved vacationing with his wife, Casey, including short winter getaways in Florida, hiking the western national parks, and quirky road trips when opportunities came up. Most of all, he loved New Orleans and the annual fall trip, often with family and friends, to enjoy favorite restaurants and all the music the city has to offer. But the small joys of living were no less important to John, family time, outdoor grilling, long bicycle rides, and just enjoying every day. A cancer diagnosis in 2022 did not dampen his zest for life or his ability to enjoy any occasion with family and friends, all of whom will miss him terribly. In addition to his wife, Casey, he is survived by 1 daughter Jacqueline Schreiner of Columbus, Ohio; daughters Andrea (Brian) Pero, Jill Schreiner, both of Maumee, and their mother Sue Weglian; sisters Patricia Green of Traverse City, Michigan and Laura (George) Stamos of Toledo; brother-in-laws Bill Gotthart and Phil Skeldon; sister-in-law Missy (John) Holden, and many special grandchildren and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Antoinette Schreiner; brother-in-law Merritt (Tim) Green, and sister-in-law Gretchen Gotthart Skeldon. Friends may visit at the Coyle Funeral Home, 1770 S. Reynolds Rd. on Saturday, September 7 from 11:00 a.m. -3:00 p.m. There will be a "Sharing of Memories" service at 3:00. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Sunshine Foundation. Leave a condolence message and view John's video tribute at CoyleFuneralHome.com.

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John Schreiner

October 10, 1949 - August 28, 2024