Waymon Michael Usher

USHER Mr. Waymon Waymon Michael Usher "Buddy", age 58, of Toledo, Ohio, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 30th, 2006, at The University of Michigan Hospital in Ann Arbor. After a hard fought battle against cancer, our Lord finally called him to rest. He was born on April 25th, 1948, in Toledo to hard working and loving parents, Clara and John. He later graduated from Cardinal Stritch High School and went on to attain a bachelor's degree in business administration from Ohio University in Athens in 1970. He finalized his education when he graduated from the University of Toledo with a master's degree in business administration (MBA) in 1978. Waymon was devoted to his career as well as his community. As director of Economic Development for both the City of Toledo and Lucas County, he led his staff in the creation and management of programs which have generated millions of dollars for new and expanding businesses in Lucas County. As a result of his work, thousands of jobs were created in the Greater Toledo area and the rest of Lucas County. Waymon took active roles in many professional organizations throughout his lifetime. He was a board member for the Lucas County Improvement Corporation and The Substance Abuse Service, Incorporated. He was also a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, and the Ohio Economic Development Association. In 1996, Waymon was recognized by his community for his hard work when he was presented with the Spirit of Toledo award. Waymon worked tirelessly to make achievements in his career, but he was most proud of his wife and children. He was determined to be a loving husband and father and enjoyed spending time and providing for his family. He was a loving companion to his wife, Cleo Denise, and a positive role-model to his son, John and daughter, Elizabeth who loved him dearly. Along with his wife and two children, Waymon is also survived by his sisters, Crissie Marie Usher-Frye and Melissa Awls, both of Toledo, Ohio; as well as his many relatives. Waymon was known by his friends and colleagues as an intelligent, generous and good natured man who emitted an aura of integrity and always practiced fair judgment. He was highly respected by his community and many people depended on him for sound and honest advice. His legacy will always be remembered and he will truly be missed. The Usher Family would like to give special thanks to Jettie and Joe Sansbury, Shawn Sansbury-Townsend, Jacob and Janeanne Jones, the Central Catholic High School family, and Waymon's county co-workers for their unhesitating support and to the University of Michigan Hospital staff for their exceptional effort in caring for Waymon during his time of sickness. Visitation on Saturday, August 5, 2006, at Gesu Parish, 2049 Parkside Boulevard, beginning at 9:00 a.m. with Alpha Phi Alpha rites at 10:30 a.m. and the Funeral Mass beginning at 11 a.m., Father Mike Geiger, Officiant. Interment, Calvary Cemetery. The C. Brown Funeral Home, Inc., Directors (419-255-7682).