Michael J. Mike Despones

Michael J. Despones, 81, of Genoa, died early morning, Tuesday, January 29, 2019, at his home. Mike was born in Genoa, Ohio, on November 12, 1937, to John M. and Evanne P. (Tuman) Despones. On November 16, 1957, in Genoa he married his high school sweetheart, Carol K. Dekreon and she survives. Mike retired in 2006 after 25 years working as sales manager at Morgan Services in Toledo. He was a member of St. Johns United Church of Christ in Genoa and an active member of the Genoa Area Kiwanis. Mike had also served on the Clay-Genoa Vol. Fire Dept. for 25 years and also served as the Mayor of Genoa several years ago. Mike enjoyed hunting and fishing and for many years was a fixture at Dons Donuts on Woodville Road. Mike is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Carol, son, Michael (Michelle) Despones, Jr., daughter, Vickie (Randy) Schneider, daughter, Shelley (Mike) Harder, son, Brent (Laurie) Despones and daughter, Melissa (Gene) Keaton; 13 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren. He is also survived by his brothers, Dennis (Ruth) Despones and Frank (Gale) Despones and sister, Pam Jensen. Mike was preceded in death by his parents, infant brother, Phillip, and brother-in-law, Ronald Jensen. Visitation for Mike will be 2-8 p.m., Friday, February 1, 2019, at Robinson-Walker Funeral Home Crematory, 501 West St., Genoa. The funeral service will be conducted 1:00 p.m., Saturday, February 2, 2019, at St. Johns United Church of Christ, Genoa, with interment to follow in Clay Township Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Genoa Area Local Schools Scholarship Foundation, P.O. Box 98, Genoa, OH 43430; Allen-Clay Joint Fire Dist. #36, 101 E. 6th St., Genoa, OH 43430; or St. Johns UCC, 1213 Washington St., Genoa, OH 43430. The family wishes to thank Hospice of Northwest Ohio for their care and compassion for Mike during the last few weeks.