John "Jack" L. Willison, Jr.

A lifetime of love, a journey of joy, has only too soon claimed the life of John L. “Jack” Willison, Jr. after a one year, hard fought battle with lung cancer. Surrounded by his loving family, John passed away at home peacefully on April 24, 2009 at the age of 66 years old.

Born March 3, 1943 in Dennison, O. he was a son of Eileen B. (Hodkinson) Willison of Uhrichsville and the late John L. Willison, Sr. In addition to his father, he is preceded in death by his beloved grandmother, Mrs. Grace Hodkinson, two uncles, two brothers-in-law and several cousins.

Surviving John is his wife of 45 years, Phyllis (Crabtree) Willison, of the home, to whom he was married on October 5, 1963; daughters, Mrs. Scott (Tammy) Van Fossen of Uhrichsville, Mrs. Jeff (Wendy) Owens of Cambridge and Miss Aimee Willison of the home; and grandchildren, McKenzi and Miranda Van Fossen of Uhrichsville, and Andrew and Allison Owens of Cambridge.

John is also survived by his mother; three brothers, James Willison and his wife, Melinda, of Tippecanoe, Perry Willison of Uhrichsville, and Timothy Willison and his wife, Heidi, of Uhrichsville; two sisters, Mrs. Richard (Grace Ann) Seibert of Dennison and Mrs. Mark (Joy) Andreatta of Uhrichsville; and numerous nieces and nephews.

The great joy of his life was his children and grandchildren. He taught them the real meaning of life by sharing all of his knowledge – simple, but pure. Another joy was planting and caring for his garden. This work of the ground produced as he shared with everyone. His love for the outdoors was overwhelming. He enjoyed hunting with his brothers and nephews, but most of all with Jim and Jimmie, his hunting buddies.

A lifelong resident of the area, John was a graduate of Lakeland High School in the class of 1962. He retired this past year from Buckeye Career Center’s maintenance department where he enjoyed working for the past 10 years. He loved working with the students and made a great many friends between students and staff. He was also a 20-year employee of Alsco at Gnadenhutten, O.

In keeping with John’s wishes, calling hours will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Monday, April 27, at the R.K. Lindsey Funeral Home at Dennison. Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday at the funeral home, followed by interment at Greenmont Cemetery in Freeport, O.

Those wishing to honor John’s memory by a charitable contribution are encouraged to do so to their favorite charity, in lieu of flowers.
R.K. Lindsey Funeral Home, Inc.
(740) 922-1970
www.lindseyfh.com