Oliver Lane Jr.'s Obituary
Oliver Lane JR, known to most as JR or Poppa, passed away peacefully at home April 1st, 2024. He fought hard to leave the hospital and make it home by Easter Sunday to celebrate one last Sunday Family Funday surrounded by all the people he loved.
JR was born on December 8th, 1947 in Manchester, Tennessee to the late Margaret (née Nunley) and Oliver Lane SR and grew up in Monteagle. He was the oldest of 6 children; 3 boys and 3 girls and inherited every bit of his beautiful mother’s compassion, gentleness, and humble heart. At the age of 20, his momma hesitantly waved goodbye from the front porch and he made his way to Ohio to find better job opportunities.
While staying with his aunt and uncle in Red Fox, he won the attention of the pretty girl next door, Darlene (Janie) Seni, and the two were married in 1967.
JR took a job with General Motors and he and Janie welcomed 3 daughters into the world; Tammy, Dawn, and Sondra. They also brought their nephew, David into their home and raised him as their own. They made their home in Windham where they remained until 1997 when they moved to Nelson.
In 1993, JR’s first grandchild was born, and he was affectionately known as Poppa to nearly everyone from that day forward—-AND HE LOVED IT! His grandchildren were his biggest accomplishment and he exuded pride in everything he saw them do. He never missed an opportunity for a kiss and an “I Love You.”
In 2003, he became a founding owner of Sean’s Pub and Slim & Jumbo’s in Garrettsville. Although he was a ‘silent partner’ he still practiced his love of cooking, allowing the current menu to showcase his recipes to this day. After 15 years he made the decision to retire but customers and employees still enjoyed time with Poppa until the end.
His family will forever cherish their Sunday family fundays, their annual beach vacations, his witty words of wisdom, and most of all his “I Love Yous.”
JR is survived by his wife of 57 years, Darlene (Janie) Layne, his daughters Tammy (Mark) Wheeler, Dawn (Lou) Mueller, Sondra (Sean) Varner. Special nephew David (Amelia) Seni. Barbie Seni. Grandchildren Taylor (Brandy) Wheeler, Savannah Rutherford, Jared (Ashley) Wheeler, Nathan (Patty) Mueller, Nolan (Haley) Mueller, Evan (Malena) Mueller, Simon (Jill) Varner, Addison Varner, Keeley (Morgan) Varner
Cody Seni, Logan Seni, and Emily Seni. His brother Yancee (Hilda) Lane, sisters Barbara (James) Stephens, and Eva (Joe) Nunley, a brother-in-law Douglas (Lisa) Seni. And the apples of his eye, his great grand children, Eli and Ella Wheeler.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Ricky Lane, sister Linda Anderson, and brother’s in law Donnie and Bobby Seni.
A celebration of life will be held Sunday, April 7th from 4-8pm at Slim & Jumbo’s located at 8101 Main Street, Garrettsville, Ohio. Snacks and drinks will be provided. There will be no additional services.
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