John Alston Obituary

John Keith “Jack” Alston, 90, went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on May 9, 2025, in Columbus, Ohio. He carried the love and devotion of his family with him. Jack’s life was transformed as a young man, through the power of his faith in Jesus Christ and the fruit of the Spirit was clearly evident in his life. He was a devoted member of Worthington Christian Church and served as an elder for 15 years.

Born on September 5, 1934, in Chicago, Illinois, Jack was the son of John and Edna Ruth (Paaren) Alston. Jack married the love of his life, Carolyn Rae Schmidt (Rae Carol), on March 12, 1955, in Louisville. Together, they shared 70 wonderful years of marriage and built a close and loving family. He is survived by his son, Jerald Keith and his wife, Dawn, of Coto de Caza, California; his daughter, Karen Rae Lieser and her husband, Matthew, of Hilliard, Ohio; grandsons, Jason Matthew Lieser and his wife, Kristin, and John Tyler Lieser and his wife, Lauren, both of Columbus, Ohio;and great-grandsons, Henry and Benjamin Lieser, who always brought a warm smile to his face.

Jack’s early years were shaped in Chicago and Louisville, where he graduated from Atherton High School and later attended the University of Louisville. He served proudly in the U.S. Army, with assignments that took him from Kentucky and Missouri to Germany and Louisiana. A gifted athlete, Jack lettered in football, basketball, and baseball during high school, and played two years of collegiate baseball at the University of Louisville. One of his proudest memories was pitching two no-hitters while in the Army —one of them with 19 strikeouts. That passion led him to a year in professional baseball with the Clinton Pirates, a farm team of the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Jack built a remarkable career in city planning, first with Harland Bartholomew & Associates and then for many years with Burgess & Niple, where he served in several leadership roles before retiring as an Associate. He was deeply proud of the 90+ planning studies he helped complete across 15 states, improving communities large and small. He was also active in his profession beyond the workplace — serving on the National board of the Society of Marketing Professional Services, and holding leadership roles in both the Ohio Society of Consulting Planners and the American Society of Planning Officials.

Jack loved being involved in his community. After moving to Plain City, Ohio, he gave his time generously to local boards and commissions, always aiming to preserve the heart and history of the town he called home. Outside of work and service, Jack had a deep appreciation for the simple joys of life — golf, reading, and woodcarving. He was an avid golfer, having shot his age or better 18 times, and was a skilled carver of lifelike waterfowl, earning dozens of ribbons at shows across Ohio. He was also a lifelong reader with a passion for learning.

Those who knew Jack will remember him for his love for the Lord, wisdom, warmth, steady presence, and quiet sense of humor. He was a man of deep character, humble faith, and unwavering love for his family — a legacy that will live on in the lives he touched.

If you prefer, you can make a donation in Jacks honor to Worthington Christian Church or Kobacker House, in lieu of flowers.