Joseph R. Jayne

Joseph R. Jayne, 95, passed away peacefully on December 4, 2018 at Joys Place in Chardon, OH. Joe was born in Youngstown, OH, on October 24, 1923 to Todd & Florence (Mealy) Jayne. Joe proudly served his country during WW II in the US Army from 1942 to 1945. He went to Belgium where he was on duty in the Battle of the Bulge and became one of the last survivors. In 1946, Joe was united in marriage to his first wife the former Madlene Louise Kohler who preceded him in death in 1977. In 1979, he found love again when he married the former Evelyn Hill who preceded him in death in 1998. Joe was a hard-working man. He spent his career working as a metal machinist for General Fireproofing Corp. and retired in 1972. For the next 10 years, he worked as an Elementary School Custodian for the Howland School District, where he truly loved the children and teachers. In addition, Joe also worked part-time as a Knapp Shoes Sales Representative for 20 years. For many years, Joe was involved with the Kiwanis Club. He coached Pony League baseball for 4 years, was an avid bowler in several bowling leagues, was a true regional high school basketball fan, and enjoyed gathering with his best friends for their Saturday night poker club. He took great pride in mastering rose gardening. Joe was a loving family man, proud veteran and friend. He is survived by his children: Mary Elizabeth (Libby) Svoboda, Kenneth Jayne, and Catharine Delu; grandchildren: Jessica Benesh, Scott Svoboda, Stephanie Merrell , Lorrie Goudeket, Valerie Hughey, Sharisa Sloan, and Aaron Sloan; great-grandchildren: Madeline Benesh, Hudson Benesh, Jaxon Merrell, Hollen Goudeket, Gwen Goudeket, Vivien Goudeket, and Alex Merrill. Visitation for Joe will be held on Thursday, December 6th from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at Lane Funeral Homes, Madasz Chapel, Brookfield; where a funeral service will be held on Friday at Noon. Burial in Crown Hill Cemetery will follow with full military honors. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Hospice of Western Reserve, Geauga County, OH.