With great sadness, we announce the loss of our classmate, Jon Ekey. Jon passed away on February 5, 2022. As always, our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Jon.
Jonathan J. Ekey
Jonathan J. Ekey, 72, of Ashland, passed away peacefully Saturday February 5, 2022, at his residence.
Jon was born in Cleveland, Ohio on June 17, 1949, the son of the late David and Sarah (Jones) Ekey. He was a resident of Ashland for most of his life and was a graduate of Ashland High School class of 1968.
Following his graduation, Jon joined the United States Air Force. He attained the rank of Sergeant and served in the Vietnam War.
He returned to the states, upon his release from the Air Force, and went to work with the Ohio Department of Transportation. He was an Engineer/Supervisor with ODOT for 35 years before retiring from the department.
He was a member of the Nankin Community Church, Harry Higgins Post #88 of the American Legion, Elks Lodge #1360.
He enjoyed golfing, bowling, fishing, gardening, and planting trees on his property, and liked to draw and do drafting.
On August 18, 1972, Jon married the love of his life, Shirley Ann Gribben. She preceded him in death on January 20, 2017.
Jon is survived by his children, Kristina (Gavin) White; Ashley (B.J.) Ritter and Brice (Jen) Ekey all of Ashland; Five grandchildren, Brooklyn & Madisen White, Cooper Ritter, Carter & Colton Ekey; his brother, David Ekey of Alabama; and a special friend, Paula Hull, his mother-in-law, Portia Gribben; sisters-in-law, Sheila Gribben, Sharon (Tim) Myers; brothers-in-law, James (Pam) Gribben and Bill (Ellen) Gribben, several nieces, nephews, and other extended family members.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Shirley Ekey, his father-in-law, Delbert Gribben and a sister-in-law, Sue Ekey.
A private family Memorial Service will be held at the Denbow-Gasche Funeral Home, with the Ashland Veterans Honor Guard conducting military honors at the funeral home.
The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to the Ashland County Veterans Honor Bus.
Denbow-Gasche Funeral home & Crematory is honored to serve the family of Jonathan J. Ekey.
Posted online on February 09, 2022
Published in Times-Gazette