John Franklin Havens

Havens, John Franklin
The family of Jack Havens is very sad to announce his passing at home on December 27th, 2017. Jack was born on Saturday, May 14,1927, in Marietta, Ohio to William Franklin and Nola Dysle Havens. He was the youngest of three terrific boys, William Dysle and Richard Virgil Havens (both deceased). Jack was raised in Columbus and Marietta. He contracted polio at the age of three and at 12 years old, a new surgery enabled him to walk again. As a boy, he loved scouting and was proud to become an Eagle Scout. He graduated from University High School in 1945. After a brief enlistment in the U.S. Coast Guard, Jack enrolled at Ohio State University and graduated with a B.S in Business in 1949. He joined Phi Gamma Delta fraternity, earned his Varsity "O" in track and met his wife Sally Luethi. After graduation, Sally and Jack married in June 1950. After college, Jack joined his father and quickly learned the ins and outs of the real estate business. He founded the Equitable Investment Corporation, his first real estate development company operating throughout the US. He later sold the company to Trans-Continental Investment Corporation, listed on the NYSE. His real estate experience lead him into the world of finance, his true passion. In 1959, Jack co-founded Union Financial Corporation and he also purchased a number of savings and loans that he expanded and later sold. In 1966, he became a principal investor in Homewood Corporation, a real estate development company operating in the Midwest. Jack enjoyed his partnerships and friendship with George Skestos for many years. It was during this time George and Jack purchased control of Grove City Savings Bank, which was renamed The Franklin Bank. In 1972, he was asked to join the board of W.W. Williams Company. He served in this capacity for 34 years. Jack took great pleasure working with Dave Williams and his family. In 1975, he was asked to assume the chairmanship duties of Muirfield Village to support Jack Nicklaus' real estate development in Dublin, Ohio. Jack sincerely felt very fortunate that he was asked to serve with many exceptional individuals on a number of boards during his life, including Cardinal Health, Worthington Industries, Midland Life Insurance Company, Big Bear Company, Advanced Drainage and Cornerstone International. During this time, Jack was grateful to have Dick Murphey's sage legal advice. In 1980, John G. McCoy offered Jack the chairmanship of Banc One Corporation, where he served proudly and well until 1986. Jack always maintained his relationship with OSU. He served on both the Board of Trustees and the Ohio State University Hospitals boards. Working with an outstanding group of Columbus leaders, he helped launch the Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital. Jack always said his major accomplishment was "valet parking"! Jack was personally thankful to Drs. Manuel Tzagournis and Hagop Mekhjian and OSU hospitals for the care he received throughout his life. Jack's father and brother played on the OSU football team. The closest Jack got was his special friendship with Buckeye #10, Rex Kern and wife Nancy. Until her retirement in 2006, Jack worked closely with his secretary Ann Leighty, an exceptional woman who never failed to tackle any project and always succeeded with perfection. Jack and Ann worked together in harmony for almost 35 years. In 1986, Jack, along with his children, established the Franklin Foundation, a non-profit family organization that provides affordable housing for seniors throughout the state of Ohio. Forever grateful to Lynn Dalton, the Franklin Foundation built 18 communities providing homes to offer a real sense of safety and warmth for its residents. Jack and Sally lived together privately, enjoying their family and friends. He and Sally loved Hidden Meadow Farm, their home in Delaware County, Ohio. He took great pleasure in working with Deb Keller, the farm's manager. Together they were always planting more daffodils and ordering more trees for the seasons ahead. For a number of years during the winter season, Jack and Sally resided in Naples, Florida at The Chateau, a very special place for them. They were surrounded by a group of friends whom they deeply valued. At dusk, they often would meet at the beach patio and watch the sun go down, waiting for the elusive "green flash". Born with an optimistic, "never quit" attitude and blessed with the support of his wife, Jack believed anyone could tackle just about anything. He will always be remembered for his extraordinary abilities that guided him so well throughout his life. He was a smart, kind-hearted, honest man that just had a knack of always getting to the core of the matter and finding successful solutions. He had a keen sense of humor and always carried a pack of Beechnut chewing tobacco with him wherever went. He was a great father and grandfather. His family will miss him. Surviving are his wife of 67 years, Sally Luethi Havens; his children, John Christopher, Ellen Raine Hardymon (Mark), Thomas Franklin, and Suzanne Elizabeth Nick (Philipp); grandchildren, John F. Havens II (Michaella) and Parker Havens Panik (Dean); Elizabeth, Emily and Elliot Nick; great-grandchildren, Isabeau, Nola and Willow Havens; sisters-in-law, Suzanne Ross and Carolyn Havens; nieces and nephews, Stephen, Carol and Jeff Ross; Dysle, Dana, Sara, Susan and Amy Havens; Jamie and Victoria Havens. The family is thankful to Jenny Williams, Myrna Pierre, Babette Brown and Kisha Davis with Jackie Brooks (Assurance Care Group) for the loving care they gave Jack. They also thank OhioHealth Kobacker for their support through his final days. As requested by Jack and Sally, a private family service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions, if desired, may be made to the charity of your choice. Family has entrusted SCHOEDINGER NORTHWEST CHAPEL with final arrangements. To sign Jack's online guest book or to share a special memory, please visit www.schoedinger.com.