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Kenneth James "Kenny" LAY

Kenneth James "Kenny" LAY obituary

Kenneth LAY Obituary

LAY Kenneth James "Kenny" Kenny Lay, 79, of Sarasota, FL, formerly of Ottawa Hills, passed away Friday, January 1, 2010, at The Toledo Hospital, surrounded by his family. He was born May 17, 1930, in Toledo, Ohio, to Reinhart and Mary (Vetter) Lay. He graduated from Macomber High School in 1949, where he was All City in basketball. Kenny was drafted into the United States Army in 1951, served during the Korean War. He married Betty Borden in September of 1956 in Toledo, Ohio and she preceded him in death in 1996. An established businessman and entrepreneur, Kenny started the Lay Transmission Company in 1956. A trusted business, Kenny established contracts with city of Toledo, the state of Ohio and the Canadian Government. In addition to his transmission company, he owned and operated the West Toledo Recreation Center, Lay Industries and maintained numerous real-estate holdings. Kenny was very active in car racing, owning various racing teams. His numerous accomplishments in racing, included an IMCA Championship, a National Drag Racing Championship and in 1970 he won the Sprint Car USAC Championship. In addition to his car racing, Kenny was an avid collector of classic cars; winning many awards, most recently 1st place in the Ford Nationals at Auburn Indiana, with his 1940 Ford Convertible. Among the many positions he held, Kenny was past president of the Automotive Service Association of Toledo (ASA), a member of the Toledo Opera Guild, The Apollo Society of the Toledo Museum of Art and a member of Gulf & Bay Club, Sarasota FL. He also was a longtime member of the Inverness Country Club, The North Cape Yacht Club in Lasalle, Michigan, and a Wood County Sheriff's Office Special Deputy. Kenny was a world traveler. He was most happy when working on a car or spending time in Siesta Key, Florida with family and friends. Kenny is survived by his two children, son, Kenneth James (Debra) Lay Jr. of Rossford, OH and their children, Kenneth James III, Kaitlyn E., Kyle R. A. Lay; son, Bradley E. (Lisa) Lay of Ottawa Hills, OH and their children, Brittany B., Bridgette A., Bradley E. Lay, Jr.; brother, Paul (June) Lay of Wauseon OH, and son-in-law, Tim Gladieux and his children, Kendra M., Monica B., Marissa P. and Virgil A. Gladiuex II., all of Ottawa Hills, OH, and special companion, Rosalie Richards of Perrysburg, OH. Along with his wife Betty, Kenny was preceded in death by his daughter, Laurine A. Lay-Gladieux and sister, Eleanor Lay-Roberts. Friends will be received Wednesday, January 6, 2010 from 3-8 p.m. at Witzler-Shank Funeral Home, 222 E. South Boundary Street, Perrysburg (419-874-3133) where funeral services will be held Thursday, January 7, 2010 at 10 a.m. with Rev. Randy Ginn, officiating. Private entombment at Ottawa Hills. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 106 W. Plumer Street, Toledo, Ohio, 43605 or The Way International, Box 328, New Knoxville, Ohio 45871-0328. Condolences may be made online to the family at: www.witzlershank.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Blade from Jan. 5 to Jan. 7, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Kenneth LAY

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February 3, 2010

Our deepest sympathies are extended to your family. He was a good friend to our dad, and to Mel.

The Taylor Girls

Abe & Jeanne Koren

January 12, 2010

I was sorry to learn of the passing of Kenny. He was a special friend to my parents Abe & Jeanne Koren who so enjoyed his visits to their home in Florida. On behalf of my parents I wish to express our heartfelt sympathies on the loss of Kenny.

Kara Koren-Szirotnyak

Todd Young

January 10, 2010

I am sorry to hear of Kenny's Passing on. My Family's condolences to Kenny's Family. He has keep my Family in Cars with his transmission work for 50+ years. The Auto community will miss him.

January 8, 2010

From all your friends at Automotive Service Association, you will be missed. We appreciate all that you gave to our organization. Joe Sanfillipo III - President ASA Ohio.

Bernie Solomon

January 7, 2010

Jim, Brad, Rose, and all of Kenny's family...I have know Kenny for over 50 years and have always cherished our conversations and business. He was a true gentleman and businessman. I, as you, will always cherish his memory.

January 7, 2010

they just dont make em like Kenny any more.......he will be missed deeply

DALE CHAMBERLIN

January 7, 2010

KENNY AND I USED TO HANG OUT BACK IN THE DAYS OF THE OLD WHITE HUT ON SYLVANIA AVE. MANY GOOD TIMES AND LOTS OF LAUGHS. YOU WERE A GREAT FRIEND AND YOU WILL BE SADLY MISSED.

DON BAUMGARTNER

January 7, 2010

To the LAY FAMILY and ROSE. My memory of Ken will always be of all the laughs we shared together thru the years.He was an honest friend you could talk to about personal matters.

Richard & Bonnie Landis

January 7, 2010

To Rose,Brad,Jim & the Lay family,

Kenny was a great friend.He will be missed very much.We will always cherish the good times we had with Kenny .Great tennis and many boat trips.The Gulf & Bay club will not be the same without him.
May the memories of the great guy he was ,ease the sorrow of his death.

Love Bonnie and Richard

Bob Billstein, Jr.

January 7, 2010

I'm sorry to hear of Kenny's passing. Please accept my most sincere condolences. My thoughts are with you and your families.

louie Ventresca

January 7, 2010

Kenny was a great friend and I will miss him.
Louie Ventresca
Port Orange Fl.

city of Toledo fire shop

January 7, 2010

To the Lay family,
Sorry about the loss of Kenny he was a
good friend and businessman he will be
missed,you all will be in are thoughts
and prayers.
Ray Jeffers,Rays Service center/Towing

Kevin Wexler

January 7, 2010

Brad and Jim... Your dad was a mensch. Just a good guy who could always be counted on to help anyone. I had many many conversations with Kenny and he will surely be missed.

Debbie Zuchowski

January 6, 2010

To Ken,Debbie and the kids,
We are very sorry to hear of your loss. I didn't know your dad ,but Robbie said he remembers him. You will be in our prayers. We know how it is
The Zuchowski'S

January 6, 2010

To the Lay family,
I am so sorry about the loss of your father, I always enjoyed our conversations at the shop and when I had the chance to run into him around town. He will be greatly missed by all that knew him.

Kyle Henzler
Kyle's Automotive

January 6, 2010

Our thoughts and prayers are with all of the family. We havnt known Kenny long but from the past few months comng into The Red Star Diner he kept all of us laughing.. God Bless
Mary, Bardha, Kelly
and all others from
Red Star Diner
Temperance MI

January 6, 2010

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Bill Sanders

January 6, 2010

I first met Kenny in 1951, when we drag raced each other on Anthony Wayne Trail. We later became good friends and traveled together to Daytona races several times. I used to go to his sprint races, and he even asked me to be his "best Man" when he and Betty married. I'll miss him.. 'ol Willie Sanders!

January 6, 2010

Our condolences.

Jan [Zale's daughter] and Jim [Jimmy @ Westwood] Stone

Cheryl Smith

January 6, 2010

My condolences to the whole Lay family. I will miss his wonderful, warm smile he showed so often when I would walk in the transmission shop. Peace and happiness will come to you all again, for Kenny, that time has already come. Happiness he had in life and now that will continue in the place of love, peace and forgiveness, HEAVEN!

Cheryl, Paul Schroyer's Auto Service

January 6, 2010

Dear Rosalie,
I am so very sorry for your loss. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Sincerely,
Paulette Zatko
All Saints Parish/Director of Music

jim brunt

January 6, 2010

Kenny,
You most assuredly will be missed by all your friends at Rumors and I personally will miss our sitting around kibitizing about the ol days when West Toledo was "the place". Very sad when another racer goes to the ol drag strip in the sky. God Bless.

January 6, 2010

We were not able to make the visitation but wanted to express our sincere condolences to your family. Your dad was one of a kind and will be truly missed by all that knew him. Take care - our thoughts are with you during this difficult time. Kathy (Mast) & Bob Marquardt, Joe & Lois Mast and family

John Spurgeon

January 6, 2010

Lay Family,
My Father and I did lots of business with Lay Transmission over many years. Kenny was always willing to go above and beyond the norm. to help us at any time. A real class act!

January 6, 2010

Dear Lay Family,
Our deepest sympathies go out to you. We were very sad to hear about
Kenny's passing. He was a very special person to all who knew him.
Marilyn & Gary Reinstein

January 6, 2010

A class act...enough said.

January 6, 2010

Ken and Betty were my neighbors on Gilhouse Rd and brought up his family there .He was a hard worker and smart business man . I will never forget his lets get it done attitude .Alan Schloz

Michael Apple

January 6, 2010

Growing up down the street, I believe that I had a tremendous opportunity to see who "Kenny" was. A very focused man with a great sense of humor. Someone who you could talk to no matter what your age or issue. The cosummate father and family man. A great loss to all the lives that he touched.

Karin Loss Rowe

January 6, 2010

Jim, Debbie and the rest of the Lay Family -

Lots of love to you during this very sad chapter in your life. Know you are in our thoughts and we wish you comfort and peace.

Love, The Loss Family (Tom, Rick, Paula Karin and Phyllis and kids)

January 6, 2010

Our deepest sympathy to you on the loss of Kenny. He will be dearly missed. Sincerely Mike Bastian (Prestige Store Interiors) and family

Jerrilyn Nicholson

January 6, 2010

To the Lay family,
I am so sorry to hear of your father's passing. He was a friend of my late husband (Ken bought his 69 Chevelle from Tom and was interested in his 66 Coronet at one time) and they always enjoyed talking cars together. I remember how gracious he and Rose were at a gathering of car buffs at his beautiful home several years ago. The world has lost another great man.

Rose,
I wish there were words to say to lessen the pain of losing someone you love, but speaking from experience there are none. We only met a few times but I thought you were a wonderful lady. Just know that you are in my prayers at this sad time.

Deborah McCabe

January 5, 2010

Dear Lay Family and Rosie, We met you when we did his house up on the lake for the holidays last year. What a gentleman,and very witty. Thank you for your wonderful appreciation of the arts, and not getting upset when we didn't like some of the paintings and not knowing how much they were worth. Rosie, he loved you so much, you are a lucky woman to have known him. Our thoughts are with you and his family. We know that Charlene was there waiting in heaven with a glass of wine.
C'est la Vie girls

Tom Ember

January 5, 2010

Although I knew this man for a brief moment, he showed me you can live, love and laugh with those around you, be very successful, and have no expectation of others in return. Kenny, I'll surely miss that great sense of humor and talking with you upon my return to Toledo...

Theresa Shemak

January 5, 2010

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

January 5, 2010

"I feel so sad to hear of Kenny's loss.What a wonderful person he all ways put a smile on mye face, I am going to miss him.Rose you are in my prayers."Theresa Shemak (Toledo Ohio)

Tamara Irwin Mikulas

January 5, 2010

My father (Earl Irwin) called me this morning to tell me of Kenny's passing. I was shocked and saddened to hear the news. I have fond memories of family get togethers at Betty and Kenny's home. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this very sad time.
Tamara Irwin Mikulas

Dan Harris

January 5, 2010

I am so sorry for your loss, your family will be in our thoughts and prayers.

Wendi & Tim Rutkowski

January 5, 2010

Our thoughts and prayers go out to your family at this difficult time. We have had the opportunity to have lots of laughs with Kenny over the years as he is great friends with our Dad, Richard (Dick) Rutkowski. We will surely miss him.

Julie Caris

January 5, 2010

What heart breaking news to hear about Kenny, what a wonderful person who touched so many lives. You are all truely lucky to have made so many wonderful memories with such a great man, keep them forever in your hearts. He will forever be missed by not only myself but many others. My deepest condolences, and prayers are with all of you, Julie (majewski) Caris

January 5, 2010

Kenny:You will be greatly missed by all who knew you. Your sense of humor was your own style. It was great doing business with you at Dana Corp. I have many memories to live with. My thoughts and prayers are with your family. Frank Miller Whitehouse,Ohio

John Wirth

January 5, 2010

I am sorry for your loss. I will sincerely miss Kenny's wit and wisdom and especially his friendship.

Marti Blase-Van Veen

January 5, 2010

Jim and Brad ~
My sincere sympathies in the loss of your Dad. He was a wonderful person, and I know a great father and grandfather to your children (as well as Laurie's). You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Dianne Apple-Reed

January 5, 2010

I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your father. Ken was a great guy and I know he will be missed by everyone whose life he touched. I will always have fond memories of all of us growing up together on Underhill, playing basketball on the driveway, sleding on the hill, watching sports and eating popcorn with your Dad in the den. May God bless your family during this difficult time. Sending lots of love and prayers to Brad and Jim.

Mike & Kimberly

January 5, 2010

Brad & Lisa-

We extend our deepest condolences at the loss of Kenny. We know he will live forever in the hearts of many for the fine man that he was.

Peace & blessings,

Vickie and Tom Roemer

January 5, 2010

Dear Lay Family...we were very saddened when we heard the news of Kenny's accident. Your lives have been turned upside down with such a sudden loss of your father. What an impressive legacy he has left...and what beautiful grandchildren he has to carry on in the Lay name. Our condolences at this painful time. God Bless you all. Sincerely, Vickie and Tommy Roemer

Jimmie Garner

January 5, 2010

My thoughts and prayers are with you all. I had the oportunity to work on his race car when Rollie Beale drove it. He was a always nice to me and my family.

Jimmie Garner

January 5, 2010

Ken, may you rest in peace. Thank you for all you have done for Me, Sue and Max.

Joni Fought

January 5, 2010

Dear Lay Family, you are all in our daily thoughts and prayers. May you find peace and happiness in thinking about your wonderful life long memories.

Tommy Zervos

January 5, 2010

MY CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY OF Kenny LAY. Ive known him for over 47 years. What a true,honest,great person. He will always shine with his great smile.

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