Passed away Thursday, February 11, 2021. Viewing Friday, February 19, 2021 from 12 Noon – 7:00 PM. Masonic service Saturday, February 20, 2021 9:30 AM, Wake 10:30 AM, Funeral 11:00 AM at Gethsemane Baptist Church 1885 E. 79th Street Cleveland, Ohio 44103.

Obituary

John Hillard Foxhall was born in Cleveland Ohio January 10, 1927, to John and Katie Foxhall in Cleveland, Ohio. John married Grace A. Chisolm on July 12, 1952 and to this union three sons were born: John Kevin, Garrick
Allyn, and Darryl Glenn. Together they attended Gethsemane Baptist Church. His life embodied a love of family, friends, education, masonry, and business. John graduated from Central High School in 1945. He served in the United States Army Air Force during World War II from 1945 to 1947. He was honorably discharged in May 1947. After serving in the military John continued his education at The Ohio State University, studying public accounting and then studied business law at Cleveland College. John also completed The Dale Carnegie training where he received a certificate in public speaking in 1954.
Church Life
John attended Gethsemane Baptist Church all his life. John’s father, John Sr. was a founding member of the church. John was a dedicated member for over 80 years. He served in several key positions in the church
including Chairmen of the Church Trustee Board, President of the Credit Union (which he was instrumental in it’s implementation), The credit union merged with Faith Community United Credit Union and John was a member of it’s board for several years. Faith Community United Credit Union is still operating today. John also served as a Chairman of the annual Men’s Day celebration. He was also instrumental in forming the Progressive Pioneers
organization, which was formed to explore revenue opportunities for the church. Lastly, John was the President of the Wings Over Jordan Choir Alumni Association, which originated at the Gethsemane Baptist Church for over 36 years.
Business and Professional Life
John co-owned and operated Gastown, one of the largest (a ten (10) pump facility) and first black operated gas station in Cleveland on 71st and Cedar. It must be noted that only truck stops had ten pumps at this time of the
station’s operation. This station held the record for gallons of gas sold per month on three (3) separate occasions. Jet Magazine featured this Gastown as one of Cleveland’s top-rated gas stations with one of the highest gas sales
volumes. These businesses were operated as part of Centaurs, Inc. This corporation was established with three of his fellow Masonic brothers of St. Bartholomew Lodge #67, Jefferson D. Tuffs Sr., John O. Brown, and Earl
Lawson. John and his partners also operated several other gas stations and beverage stores from 1951-1958. The Centaurs also produced social affairs to raise money for their Masonic Organization. John was also self-employed
with Express Delivery Services and later worked for Supreme Life Insurance company, where, as the staff manager he held responsibilities to train, supervise and audit accounts of 7 agents. In 1966 he began working for General Electric where he became a supervisor, retiring in 1988 after 22 years of service.
Masonic Life
John joined the masons in 1949, initiated into St. Bartholomew Lodge #67. John is a 33rd degree mason and served many positions on the local, state and National level over the years, including National Deputy Grandmaster, Secretary General of the Supreme Nine, National Convention Coordinator, National Treasurer, Grandmaster of The Most Worshipful Eureka Grand lodge, Inc. State of Ohio of Free and Accepted Ancient York Rite Masons, Prince Hall Origin National Compact. USA, Worshipful Master St. Bartholomew Lodge #67, Potentate Crescent Temple No. 2 Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. Because of his respected knowledge and experience he was
actively sought out as an advisor to many Grand Masters and National Grand Masters. John also served as a member of all Women Masonic departments on the local, stateand national levels. Lastly, he served in the Youth Department at the local, Grand and National levels, John faithfully attended his meetings and supported his masonic organization until the end of his life. Community Service
John’s active community involvement also included being the East154th Street Club president for many years. Throughout John’s many years of dedication to service in his lodge, church, business endeavors and community work he always found the time and energy to be a loving and caring husband to his wife of 68 years and his three (3) sons. He was a member of the Musketeers, a social club that produced social events as fund raisers to support the Masonic organizations community activities. In his later years, John and a group of lodge brothers formed the
Reviving Five Social Club that provided financial support for the lodge’s community functions. He Leaves to Mourn
On February 11, 2021, God did what he thought best and called John from labor to reward. He was 94 years old. He is survived by his three sons; John K. Foxhall (Maria), Garrick A. Foxhall (Lela), and Darryl G. Foxhall (Patricia); four grandchildren, Frederick E. Hood, Brittney L. Foxhall, Darryl G. Foxhall II, Garrick A. Foxhall II; six sisters; Mildred Cephus, Margaret Davis, Ruth Thomas, Joan Ragulen, Nellie Harris (Fred), Beverly Foxhall; one brother Clyde Foxhall, and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends. John was proceeded in death by his wife of 68 years Grace and sisters Nellie Davis, Ruby Minter, Ella Mae Kirtley, and brother Clarence Foxhall.