Sr. John Brantley Ostwalt

April 2, 1928 - April 25, 2015 John Brantley Ostwalt, Sr., 87, of Troutman, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 25, 2015, at his residence and has gone to be with Jesus. He was born in Iredell County on April 2, 1928 to the late John Ivey Ostwalt and Grace Bernice Ervin Ostwalt. On December 24, 1947, he married the late Ruth Ellen Harris Ostwalt, who preceded him in death after a marriage of 64 years. John was a lifelong member of the First United Methodist Church in Troutman, where he was a member of the Whitener/Little Sunday School class and the Methodist Men. John was a Territory Manager with Cargill Salt Company which merged with Watkins Salt Company. John enjoyed a successful career and his professionalism earned him many years as a member of the Salt Knights of the Round Table. John traveled many states, sometimes accompanied by his loving wife, Ruth, making many friends and associates along the way. Following his retirement, John and Ruth enjoyed traveling with Lee Rides and having fun entertaining children with the Birthday Game. John was a member of the Campbell Masonic Lodge # 374 in Troutman, receiving the Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of NC Veteran’s Emblem in recognition of his 50 years as a Master Mason. He was also a member of the Sons of Confederate Veterans. John’s family was extremely important to him. He enjoyed family get-togethers, family beach vacations, and telling stories. He cherished his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and dearly loved each and every one of them. Left to cherish his memory are his two daughters, Anita Watson (Ricky) of Salisbury and Beverly Ostwalt of Troutman; son, Brantley Ostwalt (Staci) of Hiddenite; seven grandchildren, J.D. Lippard, Michael Watson (April), Cammy Basinger (Marty), Steven Turbeville (Amber Trainer), Cassie Browning (Mike), Savannah Ostwalt, and Cierrah Ostwalt; seven great-grandchildren, Lauren Turbeville, Jacob Watson, Max Watson, Chandler Basinger, Isabella Basinger, Liam Browning, and Ben Verchot; sister, Clarice Miller (Harold); brothers-in-law, Paul "Sonny" Harris, Jr. (Edith), Melvin Harris (Shirley), and J.D. Harris (Marie); sister-in-law, Helen Mayfield (Gordon); and a number of nieces and nephews, all very special and dear to his heart. In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by his sister-in-law, Dorothy Harmon Deal. The family wishes to express their sincere appreciation to our caregivers, Vickie Gilbert, Tracy Alexander, Drena Olson, and Pat Ostwalt for their loving and compassionate care given to John. The family will receive friends Thursday, April 30, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. in the sanctuary of Troutman First United Methodist Church. A memorial service will immediately follow at 3:00 p.m. At other times, the family will assemble at the residence. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice and Palliative Care of Iredell County, 2347 Simonton Rd., Statesville, NC 28625 or Troutman First United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 717, Troutman, NC 28166.