Lloyd John Dayton

Lloyd John Dayton, 96 of Danbury, Ohio passed away December 12th, 2023, with family at his side at Valley View Health Campus in Fremont, Ohio.

Lloyd was born October 20th, 1927, as the 4th child of John and Lydia (Kihlken) Dayton. He graduated from Lakeside High School in 1945 and joined the Navy at the end of WW2, where he was part of the task force sent to observe and test the 4th and 5th 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 the 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 the President for the 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 the American Legion, the 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 a member of the Ottawa County Ohio State University Club, as well as a lifetime OSU football season ticket holder.

Lloyd was preceded in death by his beloved wife Audrey (Hallier) Dayton, infant son John Charles Dayton, and son Timothy John Dayton; mother and father John and Lydia Dayton, sisters Edith (Paul) Miller, Marjorie (Bill) Braithwaite and Irma (Bob) Small. He is survived by children Tom (Judy), Ted (Lisa), Diane (Curtis), daughter-in-law Regina Dayton, seven grandchildren and numerous beloved nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are invited to attend visiting hours on Thursday, January 4th, 2023, from 4- 7pm at the Neidecker, Crosser & Priesman Funeral Home, Peninsula Chapel, 7755 E. Harbor Road, Lakeside-Marblehead, OH 43440. Funeral services will begin at 11am Friday, January 5th, 2023, with a luncheon to follow at St Paul Lutheran Church, 541 Church Rd. Marblehead, OH.

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 .