Joshua Wayne Mcgraner

Joshua Wayne McGraner, 38, went too soon to be with Jesus on February 6, 2025.

Joshua is survived by his parents Terry and Brenda McGraner; brothers Daniel (Heidi), Christopher (Tasha), Benjamin (Tonya); fiancé Jess Ann Kitchin and her children Avianna, Cylus, and Milah; uncles and aunts Jerry and Kathie McGraner, Mike and Lynne Jameson, Tesa and Ray Henderson, Tami and Michael Brazie; as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Joshua is preceded in death by his grandparents Paul and Jessie McGraner, Bernard (Bud) and Marie Jameson; his cousins Jeremy McGraner, Shelly and Michael Henderson.

Joshua was born in Springfield, Ohio on September 26, 1986.  Josh grew up in the New Carlisle area.   He attended and graduated from Troy Christian School.  Josh was a good student and a very good athlete.  He earned varsity letters in basketball and football and enjoyed being a team captain.

Josh trusted Christ during his youth.   He varied in his faithfulness to his relationship with God but in the last four years that faith became precious to him.  He followed T.D. Jake's preaching every week and he spent time every day in prayer for his friends and family.

Josh loved sports. He was an Ohio State ultra fan and rooted for their football team.  He loved passing the football and playing basketball with his brothers and Dad.  He loved working out at the gym and pushing the weight limits (listening to death metal music).  It helped keep him strong and focused.  He enjoyed playing pool with Chris and Tasha and always looked forward to their time together.   Recently he enjoyed watching/coaching Jess' kids sporting events.  Josh and Jess enjoyed relaxing movies and talking all night, slow dancing, and pizza.  His buddy in the house was a cuddly cat named Precious who responded with a meow when Dad was mentioned.

Josh loved "Jordan" shoes and any kind of cool hats.  He was always in  search for both to add to his collection.

Josh worked at many types of jobs during his life.  He worked with a friend in Tennessee at a four-wheeling camp.  He related many stories about his adventures in and around the camp.  Later he learned to be a cell tower technician - climbing towers 300 to 1200 feet tall.  He had all kinds of stories about that work from fighting the wasps who loved the towers (he was scared to death of them), ospreys who built their nests onto the towers (and were a protected bird), climbing in the snow and ice.  Recently he started working at Legends Recovery Center where he made great friends as part of the maintenance crew.   One of those co-workers, Jess Ann, became his fiancé.  Josh embraced her and her children, and they made a wonderful home.

Josh loved spending time with family.   At bedtime he would do the wolf pack howl with his little niece Aria. He went to Avianna, Cyrus, and Milah's events enjoying everything.  He played games and shared around the table at Christmas and other family gatherings.  Josh and his Dad spent a lot of time together in recent years living and working together, which are now precious.

Josh had a great smile and laugh, and friendly demeanor about him.  He loved his family and friends, and he was always a joy to be with. He was quick to laugh, hug, and share his life with others.

A Celebration of Joshua’s life will be held on Saturday, February 15, 2024, with a time of sharing beginning at 4:00pm, with visitation immediately following until 6:00pm at Trostel, Chapman, Dunbar & Fraley Funeral Home, 507 W. Jefferson St., New Carlisle, OH 45344. Memorial contributions may be made to Legends Recovery Center, 430 N. Broadway St., Green Springs, Ohio 44836. Expressions of sympathy may be made at www.trostelchapman.com.