Clarence Valentine

Jake made his peaceful transition from Earth to Glory to rest with the Lord, Tuesday, September 1, 2015. Clarence "Jake" Valentine, Jr., the eighth of twelve children, was born April 22, 1928, in Ross County to the late Rev. Clarence E. Valentine, Sr., and Estella Hitchens Valentine. Jake attended both Chillicothe and Unioto High Schools, where he lettered in football and basketball. He was a 1946 graduate of Unioto High School and received an honorary diploma from his classmates at Chillicothe High School. Through the years, he remained active with both alumni associations. On August 12, 1950, he married his high school sweetheart, the late Gloria "Deanie" Gamble. They were married for 45 years and to this union were born three children: Vicki, Andrea and Jeffrey. On December 9, 1995, he married Elvira Burton Cole. Early in life, Jake chose to live by example, believing in hard work and always taking pride in whatever he did. He was employed at Wear-Ever for many years. He stepped out on faith and purchased Chillicothe Window Cleaning, later renaming it Mr. Steam Carpet Cleaning. While operating his business, he met many people and always capitalized on the opportunity to tell of his love for Jesus Christ. Jake never met a stranger and all who were blessed to know him knew he was never at a loss for words. While traveling life's journey, he believed helping others made his life worth living. Jake leveraged his hobby and love of cooking and baking into a business. Partnering with his mother-in-law and sister, he opened JV's sandwich shop in the late 1960's. In 2003, he and Elvira opened Valentine Manor. "The Manor" was a lifelong dream and it flourished with home cooked meals prepared and served with God's love. He won numerous awards for his baking at both the Ross County and Ohio State fairs. He was also a constant fixture at the local Farmer's Market. Jake routinely used his gifts to bless others. Jake was a member of First Baptist Church for over 60 years, and served in various capacities. He was Chairman of the Deacon Board for over 45 years and in 2012 was honored with the Deacon Emeritus status. He was also instrumental in birthing a prison ministry at Chillicothe Correctional Institute (CCI). Through many years of Christian service, his belief and mantra has always been "Only what you do for Christ will last." He was predeceased by his first wife Deanie; son Jeffrey; parents and ten siblings: Mary, Robert, Estella May, Mildred, Lester, Ken, Bernell, Esther and two infant siblings. Left to cherish Jake's memory are his wife, Elvira, Chillicothe; daughters Vicki (John) Snow, Chillicothe; Andrea "Peach" Rankin, Dublin; step-daughter Kimberlee (Anthony) Bailey, Chillicothe; brother Clyde (Josephine) Valentine, Oberlin, OH; grandchildren: John (Tammy) Snow; Jennifer Snow; Tyler Rankin; Austen Rankin; Shaun Rankin; and Sydney Rankin; step-granddaughter Ashlee Maddox; a host of nieces, nephews, cousin, in-laws and his best friend Bill Lee. The family wishes to thank Westmoreland Place Staff of 2 East and Heartland Hospice for their wonderful loving care. Funeral services will be held at 11:00am Saturday, September 5, at the First Baptist Church, 65 W. 4th St., with Rev. Eric C. Carson officiating and Dr. Jonathan J. McReynolds eulogist. Burial will follow in Greenlawn Cemetery. Friends may call from 5-8pm Friday and 10-11am Saturday, both at the church. Arrangements are under the direction of Haller Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to either Westmoreland Place, 2 East, 230 Cherry St., Chillicothe, OH 45601; or First Baptist Church, 65 W. 4th St., Chillicothe, OH 45601.
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