Lloyd Dayton Obituary

Lloyd John Dayton

Oct 20, 1927 - Dec 12, 2023

Lakeside-Marblehead

Lloyd John Dayton, 96, of Danbury, passed away Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2023, with his family by his side at Valley View Health Campus, Fremont.

Lloyd was born Oct. 20, 1927, as the fourth child of John and Lydia (Kihlken) Dayton. He graduated from Lakeside High School in 1945 and joined U.S. Navy at the end of World War II, where he was part of the task force sent to observe and test the fourth and fifth atom bomb detonations at Bikini Atoll.

After serving in the Navy, he returned home and worked for Standard Products in Port Clinton, Kelley's Island Transport Company, and Captained reef trip boats for Tibbels Marina. Later, he attended The Ohio State University, graduating in 1954. He then moved back to Danbury, where he worked at Ford Motor Company as a superintendent of quality control for 30 years.

Lloyd married Audrey Hallier in 1953 and they had four children, Timothy, Thomas, Diane, and Edward (Ted). Together, they purchased an orchard with peach, apple, pear, and plum trees and operated a retail fruit market there until 2003. During that period, he served as President for Danbury Fruit House. Lloyd's passion for farming is continued on with their family farm still in operation today. Lloyd and Audrey were ardent travelers, visiting all 50 United States, and 56 countries.

Lloyd was an accomplished leader in his community. He was elected Township Trustee and was successful in securing county water for Danbury Township during his four years of service.

He was an active member of St. Paul Lutheran Church and served as church President, Trustee, and Treasurer throughout his life. He was influential in purchasing the land north of St. Paul Church and participated in the planning and building of the fellowship hall, parking lot, and cemetery expansion.

Lloyd was an avid pilot and member of American Legion, Ottawa County Farm Bureau, Experimental Airplane Association, International Flying Farmers, and served as President during his tenure in the Ohio Flying Farmers chapter. He also worked on the Ford Tri Motor restoration project at the Port Clinton Airport and Liberty Aviation Museum.

He was an Advocate for The Ohio State University and member of Ottawa County Ohio State University Club, as well as a life-time OSU football season ticket holder.

He is survived by his children, Tom (Judy), Ted (Lisa), and Diane (Curtis); daughter-in-law, Regina Dayton; seven grandchildren; and numerous beloved nieces and nephews.

Lloyd was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Audrey (Hallier) Dayton; infant son, John Charles Dayton; son, Timothy John Dayton; mother and father, John and Lydia Dayton; and sisters, Edith (Paul) Miller, Marjorie (Bill) Braithwaite, and Irma (Bob) Small.

Visitation for family and friends will be 4-7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 4, 2024, at Neidecker, Crosser & Priesman Funeral Home, Peninsula Chapel, 7755 E. Harbor Road, Lakeside-Marblehead, Ohio, 43440. Lloyd's funeral will be 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 5, 2024, with a luncheon to follow at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 541 Church Rd., Marblehead.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to St. Paul Lutheran Church.

Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.neideckercrosserpriesman.com.