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Dewey M. ‘Joe’ Willoughby

RAVENNA-SHALERSVILLE TWP. – Dewey M. “Joe” Willoughby, 74 years of age, passed away Friday (Aug. 23, 2013) at his residence surrounded by his loving family.

Born on May 10, 1939, in Jellico, Tennessee, he was the son of the late Hugh and Velva (Mullins) Willoughby. Joe was a Ravenna area resident since 1959, formerly residing in Shalersville. He had been employed as a truck driver for Consolidated Freight for many years, and was the owner-operator of J.&J. Equipment for 27 years.

Joe was also known for his knowledge of growing beautiful trees at his farm, as well as raising Ostrichs and giving their eggs to family and friends. He was a U.S. Army veteran of the Korean conflict. Joe was a member, and past master of Mantua Masonic Lodge No. 533 F. &A.M. and a former member of the Rainbow board. He also was a longtime team sponsor of the Crestwood Ponytail League, and a member and former president of the Buckeye Model A Club. Family and friends who had the pleasure of knowing Joe will always remember his “way with words” and the love and devotion that he had for his family … Joe Willoughby will never be forgotten.

On April 18, 1959, he married Janice C. “Jan” (Catron) Willoughby, who survives at their home. Also surviving are his daughters, Debra Wyers of Ravenna, Kimberly (William) Pope of Garrettsville and Joann (Charles) Felter of Newport, Ohio; his godson, Raymond Hess of Freedom Township; Sister Vivian Kunutz of Tennessee; five grandchildren, Charley Jo, Roxanne, Sonny, Joseph and Bethaney; and six great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by four brothers and four sisters.

Calling hours will be from 6 to 8 p.m. today at Green Family Funeral Home & Crematory Service in Mantua, where his funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday (Aug. 27, 2013) with Mr. Chester Hess officiating. Final resting place will follow in Riverside Cemetery in Shalersville Township, where he will receive full military honors provided by the U.S. Army Honor Guard Team, assisted by members of Mantua American Legion Post No. 193.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Robinson Memorial Hospice.

His obituary, video tribute and funeral service may be viewed at www.greenfamilyfuneralhome.com.