SOUTH CHINA — John E. Lohnes, a native Mainer and resident of South China, died on Oct. 26, 2014, following surgery. John was known by many friends for his infectious sense of humor and strong work ethic.

Born in Lewiston on April 25, 1939, John was the second of six children of beloved parents Irving "Jack" and Jeannette (Cote) Lohnes.

John was educated in Auburn and Waterville schools. He was a member of the varsity football team at Waterville High School, which stood as one of his fondest memories.

John served in the United States Army, and later resided in Rockland and Union. He was employed by Fox and Ginn Transport.

He was elected to the Rockland City Council and worked diligently to promote the Democratic resurgence in Knox county.

Throughout his adult life, John championed business development in Rockland and the Midcoast. His vision of a rejuvenated Rockland has, in large part, been realized.

John and his wife, Ninon (Ingersoll) Lohnes, bought out John's partner in Mic Mac cove campground in 1977. The two supported animal welfare and cared for their stable of race horses, adding numerous adopted animals to their household. Whenever called upon, John volunteered countless hours with the Humane Society in Rockland.

John Lohnes is survived by his wife, Ninon; his son, John Jr. of Waldoboro and his wife, Martha, and grandchildren; his daughters, Linda of Florida and Laurie of Union. He has displayed family fondness for Ninon's son, Mike and his wife, Denise, and her son, Allan Jones, and his wife, Elke-Than, of Florida.

John has been predeceased by his older brother, lrving.

Surviving siblings include his sister, Helen Joyce Berman and her husband, Harvey, of Yorktown Heights, N.Y.; his brother, Barry and his wife, Susan, of Topsham; his brother, Tom, and his wife, Susan, of China; and his sister, Susan Jane Graves and her husband, Greg, of South Paris.

No funeral service is planned. Letters of condolence may be addressed to Ninon Lohnes, P.O. Box 99, South China, ME 04358. Memorial donations may be made to Waterville Humane Society,100 Webb Road, Waterville, ME 04901 or Humane Society of Knox County, P.O. Box 1294, Rockland, ME 04856.

Arrangements are under the care of Plummer Funeral Home.