Edward Joseph Verkin, Sr.

Beloved husband and father, Edward Joseph Verkin, Sr, 79 died on Jan. 15th, 2025. He was born to his parents Andrew and Marie (Valko) Verkin on April 13, 1945 in Genoa, Ohio where he spent his first 20 years. He had been a resident of Catawba Island for the past 21 years.

Ed graduated from St. Francis de Sales High School in 1963. He attended the University of Detroit and graduated from the University of Toledo.

On Aug. 7th, 1965, he married his high school sweetheart. She remains the love of his life.

Ed had an exemplary 34 year career in Law Enforcement. From 1967 to 1972 he was a member of the Toledo Police Department where he worked patrol, was a Detective and was an original member of the Metro Narcotics Unit. Ed joined the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms in 1972. He served as a Special Agent in Ashland, Kentucky, Hammond, Indiana, and Albuquerque, New Mexico. He was the Senior Operations Officer for ATF in Louisville, Kentucky and spent the last eight years as the Resident Agent in Charge of the Las Vegas, Nevada Office. During his ATF career, Ed also was a member of the explosive’s arson National Response Team and he was a class coordinator and instructor at the International Law Enforcement Academy in Budapest, Hungary. He retired from ATF in 1999.

Following Ed’s retirement, he was the interim Chief of Police at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and he conducted background investigations for the Federal Government.

Ed enjoyed traveling and all types of outdoor activities, whether it be golfing, attending sporting events or working in his yard. He especially enjoyed attending his grandchildren and great grandchildren’s performances in concerts or sports. He truly enjoyed being around his family.

Ed was a member of Elks in Port Clinton as well as Knights of Columbus. He was a fourth degree Knight and very active in the Port Clinton Council.

Ed is survived by his loving wife Elaine (Lewandowski) of 59 years, his children Cynthia Johnson of Port Clinton, Ohio, Kathleen (David) Matts of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Edward (Deborah) Verkin Jr., of Port Clinton, Ohio, and Christine (Thomas) Smit of Port Clinton, Ohio, as well as eight grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Andrew and Marie Verkin and his brother Richard, as well as his grandson Derek Johnson.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, Jan 19th from 12 PM – 6 PM at Neidecker, Crosser & Priesman Funeral Home & Cremation Service. 1124 Fulton St., Port Clinton, OH 43452. A Mass of Christian Burial will be conducted at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church on Monday, Jan 20th at 11 AM. A private burial will be held for the family.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you perform an unexpected act of kindness in Ed’s memory or make a donation to the Port Clinton Knights of Columbus or St. Vincent DePaul Society. 414 Madison St. Port Clinton, OH 43452. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.neideckercrosserpriesman.com .