Joseph U. "Joe" Lloyd

1930 - 2017

Joseph U. "Joe" Lloyd

MT. GILEAD: Joseph U. "Joe" Lloyd, age 86 of Marengo and formerly of Mt. Gilead died Tuesday morning at Morrow County Hospital following a brief illness.

He was born on the Lloyd family farmstead on Marengo, Township Road 21, December 28, 1930 and was the youngest son born to the late Ray and Anna (Belcher) Lloyd. Not long after graduating from Sparta High School in 1948, Joe entered the US Army proudly serving his Country while stationed in Austria, a place he grew to love.

Joe married the former Shirley Ruhl in 1955 and together they shared in life's journey side by side and through thick and thin for over 61 years. He considered raising his family his greatest accomplishment and relished in seeing them succeeding in life.

He worked as a meat cutter first with the former Mt. Gilead Meat Market next to the Capital Theater then with the Royal Blue Store, Neff's Market, and Weaver's IGA . With the opening of Tri Rivers Joint Vocational School he worked as the meat cutting instructor and retired from the Ohio Department of Transportation highway maintenance department.

Joe also farmed, both grain and hog, and during the winters operated a sugar camp at the farm.

A dedicated member of the Mt. Gilead First Baptist Church, he served as a deacon and Sunday school teacher over his 60 year membership. Joe served on the Mt. Gilead Village Council for two terms during the 1960's as well as on the Rivercliff Cemetery Board.

A 32 degree Mason, he was blessed with many Masonic and Scottish Rite friendship's. He was a member of Mount Gilead Lodge #206 F & AM for over 60 years, serving as Master several times and in numerous other offices. He was also a member of the Scottish Rite Valley of Columbus, High 12 Club, Grotto, and the Masonic Retirees.

Defined by the word ornery, he was a chief instigator and devil's advocate. With his unique charm, he was gracious to all, always welcoming, and willing to lend a helping hand in every task. He was an avid OSU Buckeye fan, especially of the girls' basketball team. He treasured spending time in the fields, with family and happy hour at his nephew Buddie's.

He will be remembered for his ornery and kind ways, but most importantly love for family and life.

In addition to his beloved wife Shirley he is also survived by children: Joseph (Diana), Debora, and Christopher "Chris" Lloyd, grandson Clayton, great-grandchildren Jadon, Aria, Chloe, sister-in-law Zelda (Don) Gill, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was also preceded in death by brothers: Ralph, Herman, and Gerald Lloyd.

Friends may call from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Thursday January 12, 2017 at the First Baptist Church in Mt. Gilead, 51 W. High St., Mt. Gilead, Ohio 43338 where Masonic services will follow at 7:00 p.m. Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Friday also at the church and burial follow in Maple Grove Cemetery in Chesterville. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Snyder Funeral Home in Mt. Gilead.

Memorial contributions can be made to a charity of the donor's choice.

To share a memory or condolence please visit: www.snyderfuneralhomes.com