John Votaw

Mr. John W. Votaw, age 99, died peacefully at Wellington Place on Thursday, February 22, 2007. A native of Wabash, IN, he was born February 25, 1907 to the late William O. and Lillian Charles Votaw. Mr. Votaw was very proud to serve his country in the U.S. Navy where he participated in WWII in the Pacific Theater from 1940-1945. He was a member of the College Park Methodist Church in Orlando, FL and was a former member of Temple United Methodist Church of Muskegon Heights. He was the owner of Votaw Radio & Electric store in Muskegon Heights from 1945 until his retirement in 1972. Mr. Votaw was a member of the Organ Club of Muskegon and a member of the Quarter Century Wireless Association, Inc. He was an avid golfer until the age of 95 and also enjoyed woodworking and building furniture. He also built his own home in Muskegon. Mr. Votaw will be remembered as a wonderful man who was gentle and kind, who loved his family and country. He will be missed by his family and all who knew him. In addition to his parents, Mr. Votaw was preceded in death by his son, Dr. Charles L. Votaw and two wives, Bertha "Dolly" Votaw and Jewell Oterson Votaw. Survivors include his daughter-in-law, Dr. May Louise Votaw of Johnson City, TN; his step-daughter, Beryl Johnson of Orlando, FL; grandchildren, Diana & Frank Doerner of St. Louis, MO, John R. & Delicia Votaw of Atlanta, GA, Paul & Wendy Votaw of Oak Hills, VA; and great-grandchildren, Julia, Emily, and P.J. Doerner and Nicole and Luke Votaw. Mr. Votaw is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. Graveside services will be 2PM Tuesday, March 6, 2007 at Mona View Cemetery Chapel with Pastor Ron Nyenhuis officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Emory University PET Center for Cancer Research, 1762 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA 30322.