Jeffrey V. Mcfellin, Sr.

Jeffrey Vischer McFellin, age 75, of Toledo, passed away suddenly on January 16, 2025. At the time of his death, he was looking forward to spending time in the Cayman Islands with his sons, Matt and John and family.

A life-long resident of Toledo, Jeff graduated from Ottawa Hills High School in 1968. He developed a passion for singing while in high school, performing in the musical, South Pacific, as Luther, and being the front man for the band, High Tide. A Motown crooner, Jeff continued to cultivate his love for singing by serenading one and all with songs from the Beatles, Rolling Stones, and Beach Boys.

Jeff met the love of his life, Yvonne (“Bunny”), at Centennial Quarry when he was twenty years old. Thus, began a storybook romance that included three children - Matt, Jeffrey and John, and lots of fun and sun including countless trips to the beach – whether in Florida or the Cayman Islands. Jeff and Bunny were happily married for over forty-seven years. Bunny lost her battle to cancer in December of 2020.

Always happiest in the sun or on the water, Jeff could often be found floating on his raft in his backyard surrounded by his friends and family. Jeff’s love of the water began early on when his family was the first in the neighborhood to have a pool. As an adult, he enjoyed water skiing at Devil’s Lake and boating on Lake Leelanau and the Maumee River Yacht Club. With a wry sense of humor, his boats included Lucille, Hot Stuff and Y Knot. Y Knot was born after waking up one day, and asking Bunny – do you want to buy a boat?”

Jeff began his work career as a salesperson with Cass Strapping Corporation after graduating from the University of Toledo in 1972. A loyal employee, he spent his entire working career -over forty-five years -working for Cass/Samuel Strapping.

With a smile for everyone, he was the consummate gentleman with the “impeccable glow of the well to do.” A true family man, Big Jeff was also a father figure to many in the Ottawa Hills community. With over thirty-four years of sobriety, he was a pillar of support for the AA community and Open Door Ministry. His comfortable presence will be sorely missed but his legacy will live on through the many lives that he has touched.

With a propensity for pumpkin pie, Jeff embraced the adage, “Life is short. Eat dessert first.” While our hearts are heavy, we take comfort in our belief that he is united with his beloved wife, Yvonne, in eternal sunshine on a distant shore, floating side by side with their hands interlocked.

Jeff is survived by his sons, Matt and John, their wives, grandchildren Finn and Lauren, and brother, Jack. He is preceded in death by his wife, Yvonne and son Jeffrey, Jr.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 23, 2025, from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m. and Friday, January 24, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at the Walker Funeral Home, 5155 W. Sylvania Avenue. Funeral services will begin, Friday, January 24, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Interment will follow at Historic Woodlawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Jeff’s name to Open Door Ministry, Inc. ( bit.ly/odmdonate ).